# Visual Function & Morphology Core

> **NIH NIH P20** · WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $391,197

## Abstract

Core 001 (039): Visual Function & Morphology Core (VFM Core), Gatesman-Ammer, Core Lead
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 The Visual Function & Morphology Core (VFM Core) has emerged from strategic institutional investments
in super resolution microscopy and functional visual assessment equipment, as well as leveraged support from
IDeA-funded programs (CoBRE, CTR, INBRE) that have provided new technologies, service contracts and
salary support. The VFM Core will be used by all four proposed research projects, as well as other members of
the VS-CoBRE, where it will serve as the focal point for experimental design, data acquisition and functional
analysis. The VFM Core will also provide equipment oversight, training, and assistance as needed to promote
an environment conducive to success for the project leaders of the Visual Sciences Center of Excellence.
 In addition to equipment and expertise, the VFM Core will offer technical assistance in transmission electron
microscopy preparations, histology sample preparation, ERG/OKR assessments, and electroporation/orbital
injections. Existing capabilities that have been built with institutional support will also be incorporated into the
VFM Core. These include four super-resolution microscopy systems, a transmission electron microscope,
brightfield and fluorescent imaging systems, and visual function assessment equipment. The proposal describes
services provided by the facility along with its management plan, fee structure, prioritization, quality assurance
plan, and strategies to sustain the facility over the life of the project and beyond. The Specific Aims are to: 1)
advance the basic and translational research and provide the necessary tools and expertise to advance
productivity of the Visual Sciences CoBRE Research Project Leaders, and 2) develop the VFM Core for
investigators who share the overarching goal to understand the complexities of ocular anomalies that may lead
to decreases in visual acuity and blindness. The VFM Core will be a valued and necessary part of the
infrastructure needed to develop the VS-CoBRE and to bring advances in visual sciences that will positively
impact the lives of people with visual impairments.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10334876
- **Project number:** 1P20GM144230-01
- **Recipient organization:** WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Amanda Susanne Gatesman-Ammer
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $391,197
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-03-20 → 2027-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10334876

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10334876, Visual Function & Morphology Core (1P20GM144230-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10334876. Licensed CC0.

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