# Core B: Integrated Microscopy Core

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING · 2020 · $481,370

## Abstract

Abstract
The overall goal of the research core is to enhance the ability of researchers to elucidate how sensory systems
work and how disease/pathological states occur. To do so, we propose to strengthen and expand the
capabilities of the existing Microscopy Core by creating an Integrated Microscopy Core (IMcore). The IMcore is
built on the three main service components.1) Microscopy Core, 2) the Antibody Unit (AU), and 3) Molecular
Analysis Unit (MAU). All components will be integrated physically and thematically into the existing Microscopy
Core. Dr. Zhaojie Zhang, the current state-funded director, who has provided the leadership to establish the
Microscopy Core as a critical institutional facility, will continue in this role as Director of the IMcore. A multi-
disciplinary team of scientists and technicians will manage the day-to-day operation of the three components.
Two specific aims are proposed. Aim 1. To update and expand the existing microscopy core to create IMcore,
and to provide a platform to promote collaborations and training necessary to meet the imaging needs of the
investigators. A multi-photon microscope with high speed and high resolution is needed to map out large
sensory network in three dimensions in vivo and in vitro. Aim 2. To expand the service capabilities of the
IMcore by providing antibody screening and development and molecular analytic capabilities. We will expand
the existing core to include antibody development and validation. The validation of antibodies uses a variety of
molecular techniques including western blotting, immunoprecipitation, knock-out animals, and PCR to relate
message to proteins. Services and instruments enabling the application of the new state-of-the-art high-
throughput “molecular imaging” (e.g., ChIP-seq, RNA-seq) of the nervous system utilizing, in part, outside fee-
for-service next generation facilities will be developed. Successful expansion of the current Microscopy Core
will integrate new capacities that will: 1) meet future technical challenges and enable innovative research by
SBC investigators, 2) foster new and stronger collaborations among SBC investigators and in doing so, 3)
pave the way for SBC investigators to undertake collaborative and groundbreaking approaches to understand
how sensory systems work and how disease/pathological states occur.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9985926
- **Project number:** 5P20GM121310-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
- **Principal Investigator:** ZHAOJIE ZHANG
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $481,370
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9985926

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9985926, Core B: Integrated Microscopy Core (5P20GM121310-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9985926. Licensed CC0.

---

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