Equipment for Integrated Hearing Loss Susceptibility Test Platform
Abstract
PROPROSAL ABSTRACT We are proposing to purchase two instruments to integrate into our custom-built Integrated Hearing Loss Susceptibility Test Platform as an extension of the existing NIR test platform. This Test Platform being developed by the Harvard NIHL Research Group is an essential tool for researchers to refine our understanding of the mechanism that drive cellular susceptibility that alters innate cellular repair machinery activated through physiologic changes typically experienced by cochlear cells in hypoxic conditions resulting from microvascular blood flow restriction at the time of noise exposure. The first proposed instrument is a Hypoxic /hyperoxic Cell Culture System. This system allows us to expand the cell culture capabilities to reproduce physiological in-vitro conditions of the inner ear. This addition will expand significantly our ability to test critical effects of oxidative stress and evaluate mitigation responses such as near infrared light (NIR) on cochlear cell biology. This instrumentation would be placed upstream of the NIR module in the existing platform. The second instrument to purchase is Digital PCR (ddPCR) with PCR Plate Sealer and Deep Well Reaction Module. The ddPCR system will allow the detection of sensitive changes in the gene expression of cells that have been exposed to NIR. This technology permits the absolute quantification of nucleic acids, by creating nanodrops containing single DNA strands. The amplification reaction occurs within these nanodrops, where if amplification is present, fluorescence is generated. This results in fluorescent or non-fluorescent nanodrops that are later read and translated into positive or negative events, allowing the detection changes in gene expression or of low copy variants that would otherwise go unnoticed. This instrumentation would be place at the downstream detection/quantification end of the existing NIR platform to measure and detect changes in genetic responses to experimental interventions. The Integrated Hearing Loss Susceptibility Test Platform will: a) Enhance the research being conducted under ONR funded grant# N00014-13-1-0794 titled “Integrated NIR test platform for NIHL studies” under the direction of principal investigator Dr. Rick Rogers. The instrumentation will accelerate basic research utilizing NIR technology specific for hearing protection. b) Establish new research capabilities for proposed research projects by principal investigators Drs. Rosalinda Sepulveda and Yohann Grondin by other ONR Programs such as The Undersea Medicine Program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 03, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141612101
Entities
People
- Rick Rogers
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- President and Fellows of Harvard College
- United States Navy