SHINING LIGHT FOR SENSING AND CONTROL OF ASTROCYTES MICRODOMAINS STRUCTURE, DYNAMICS AND BIOPHYSICS- ASTROLIGHT
Abstract
The role of ion channels, water channels and calcium signaling expressed in astrocytes and their relevance for brain communication processes, typically univocally assigned to neurons, has been recently lighten up. ASTROLIGHT propose the use of light at different wavelengths and with different fundamental nonlinear optical properties such as coherence and entanglement, to probe and monitor the structural and functional properties of ion channels and water channels in astrocytes and to uncovering biophysics and molecular mechanisms beyond the role of astrocytes in brain communication process. By means of live-cell fluorescence imaging, pharmacology, electrophysiology, and genetic manipulation, we will get in depth insight on the impact of visible as well as different wavelength of infrared classical, coherent and Entangled Two photon (ETP) light on dynamics mediated by ion and water channels function and/or by their structural and molecular assembly. We will use differentiated astrocyte and astrocytes-neuron co-culture system to verify the spatial distribution of the observed effect and unravel the effect of classical, coherent and ETPA light perturbation in astrocytes-neural cell communications. Joint experiments of Photothermal microscopy technique at Boston University and ETP Adsorption (ETPA) Microscopy experiments at University of Michigan, will allow to unravel sensing and transduction mechanisms following optical excitation and the specific structural and functional process triggered by that. ASTROLIGHT will lead to a transformative concepts and mechanisms (both classically and quantum mechanically driven) involved in brain function and provide new fundamental understanding on light living matter interaction. The project promotes cross-fertilization of internationally recognized expertise of the Italian team in the field of Astrocytes Biology and Biophysics, Materials Sci. and Engin. with those in Biophotonics, Physics, Non-linear Optics of US Partners.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010386
Entities
People
- Valentina Benfenati
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- United States Air Force