# Resource for Multiphoton Characterization of Genetically-Encoded Probes

> **NIH NIH U24** · MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY - BOZEMAN · 2020 · $243,210

## Abstract

Two-photon laser scanning microscopy powers many projects in the. BRAIN initiative
because it is the best way to capture the concerted activity of living neural networks.
Genetically-encoded activity probes and sensors built with fluorescent proteins are the
tools of choice for labeling and recording from living circuits of neurons. However, to
date, virtually all optimization of these probes has been solely in the one-photon regime.
This is mainly because measuring quantitative two-photon absorption properties
demands more sophisticated equipment and expertise in photophysics and nonlinear
optics. Over the past five years, our group has informally provided this service for
protein engineers and neuroscientists: they sent us newly developed proteins and we
carefully characterized their 2PA properties. While this has worked in the past for just a
few laboratories, the BRAIN initiative has fueled many more laboratories in need of this
service to the extent that we now need support to establish a Resource.
In this project, we will establish a unique Resource for Multiphoton Characterization of
Genetically-Encoded Probes at the Montana State University Campus (Bozeman, MT)
that will continue providing the service of characterization of 2PA properties and
multiphoton stability to a much large number of protein engineers and neuroscientists.
We are planning to provide a very broad access to our facility for Investigators whose
research is relevant to the NIH/NINDS mission and to the goals of the BRAIN initiative.
The information obtained will be broadly disseminated via scientific publications and one
of the microscopy websites. We will organize annual workshops where we will provide
training on 2PA photophysics and methods of measurements and provide all necessary
information for researchers who were willing to start such measurements in their labs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9792302
- **Project number:** 5U24NS109107-02
- **Recipient organization:** MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY - BOZEMAN
- **Principal Investigator:** Mikhail Drobizhev
- **Activity code:** U24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $243,210
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-30 → 2024-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9792302

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9792302, Resource for Multiphoton Characterization of Genetically-Encoded Probes (5U24NS109107-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9792302. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*