Description du projet
Un système innovant d’imagerie des circuits neuronaux
L’exploration complète des circuits neuronaux dépend de microscopes électroniques qui génèrent des données avec un pouvoir de résolution suffisant. Si la microscopie à rayons X facilite l’imagerie rapide de grands échantillons, son pouvoir de résolution est insuffisant pour visualiser les connexions neuronales. La nanotomographie holographique à rayons X est une technique d’imagerie cohérente en 3D qui génère un contraste exceptionnel dans les tissus mous par contraste de phase. Le projet BRILLIANCE, financé par l’UE, développera un système d’imagerie des circuits neuronaux au niveau synaptique dans de grands volumes de tissus, qui comprendra des méthodes de préparation des échantillons, d’acquisition et de reconstruction des images. Le projet permettra également de développer un outil d’analyse automatique des images et de créer des cartes pionnières des circuits cérébraux qui auront un impact immédiat en neurosciences.
Objectif
The overarching goal of this project is to establish a novel technique for neuroimaging to probe large tissue volumes at the nanometre scale. Currently only electron microscopes are capable of generating data with sufficient resolving power for comprehensive exploration of the neural circuits that underlie brain function. With state of the art systems, imaging just one cubic mm of brain entails years of data collection, ultra-thin sectioning which is prone to errors and data loss, and prohibitive costs. Each circuit unit spans over large distances, thus access to millimetre sized volumes of view is essential for both fundamental and therapeutic discoveries in neurosciences. Today this is an unreachable goal. In contrast, X-ray microscopy facilitates rapid imaging of large samples but the resolving power is not sufficient to visualize neural connections. Thus, at present, resolving large neural circuits is hardly imaginable. The aim of this project is to overcome these limitations and to develop an integrative approach which will open new research perspectives. X-ray holographic nano-tomography is a 3D coherent imaging technique which is capable of generating exceptional contrast in soft tissue through phase contrast. The penetrating power of X-rays and the full-field, free space propagation setup enable rapid multiscale imaging of large samples which are opaque to visible light. By combining a highly brilliant X-ray nanoprobe, a carefully designed nanopositioning system, a cutting edge detection system and cryogenics for sample preservation, isotropic 3D spatial resolution better than 30 nm is conceivable. The objectives of this interdisciplinary project are to 1) develop a system for imaging neural circuits at synaptic level in large tissue volumes, including methods for sample preparation, image acquisition and image reconstruction 2) develop an automatic image analysis tool 3) create unprecedented maps of brain circuits with immediate impact in neurosciences.
Champ scientifique
Programme(s)
Thème(s)
Régime de financement
ERC-STG - Starting GrantInstitution d’accueil
38000 Grenoble
France