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H2020Individual fellowship2015–2017

SPECIFIC fMRI · From surrogate hemodynamics-based fMRI towards direct functional imaging of neural activity via sensing activity-induced cell swellings and neurotransmitter releases in vivo

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2015-04-01 → 2017-03-31
EU contribution
€160,636
Participants
1
Scheme
MSCA-IF

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Results in brief

From surrogate hemodynamics-based fMRI towards direct functional imaging of neural activity via sensing activity-induced cell swellings and neurotransmitter releases in vivo

The Marie Sklodowksa Curie proposal revolved around developing new methods to quantify neural activity more directly then the state-of- the-art hemodynamic-based MRI methods. We proposed to develop microstructural methods capable of resolving cell swellings upon activation; methods that would sense neurotransmitter releases using advanced Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; and investigating widespread networks with optogenetics and these new methods. Achieving these goals would impact society by enabling a better investigation of neural activity in-vivo – a target that insofar has never been achieved.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Functional-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has transformed our understanding of brain function due to its ability to noninvasively tag ‘active’ brain regions. Nevertheless, fMRI only detects neural activity indirectly, by relying on slow hemodynamic couplings whose relationships with underlying neural activity are not fully known. We have recently pioneered two unique MR approaches: Non-Uniform Oscillating-Gradient Spin-Echo (NOGSE) MRI and Relaxation Enhanced MR Spectroscopy (RE MRS). NOGSE-MRI is an exquisite microstructural probe, sensing cell sizes (l) with an unprecedented l^6 sensitivity (compared to l^2 in conventional approaches); RE MRS is a new spectral technique capable of recording metabolic signals with extraordinary fidelity at ultrahigh fields. This proposal aims to harness these novel concepts for mapping neural activity directly, without relying on hemodynamics. The specific objectives of this proposal are:(1) Mapping neural activity via sensing cell swellings upon activity: we hypothesize that NOGSE-fMRI can robustly sense subtle changes in cellular microstructure upon neural firings and hence convey neural activity directly. (2) Probing the nature of elicited activity via detection of neurotransmitter release: we posit that RE MRS is sufficiently sensitive to robustly detect changes in Glutamate and GABA signals upon activation. (3) Investigating widespread neural circuits in vivo via stroboscopic optogenetics: we propose to couple NOGSE-fMRI with optogenetics to resolve casual dynamics in global neural circuitry. Simulations for NOGSE-fMRI predict >4% signal changes upon subtle cell swellings; further, our in vivo RE MRS experiments have detected metabolites with SNR>50 in only 6 seconds. Hence, these two complementary –and importantly, hemodynamics-independent– approaches will represent a true paradigm shift: from indirect detection of neurovasculature couplings towards direct and noninvasive mapping of neural activity in vivo.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • FUNDACAO D. ANNA DE SOMMER CHAMPALIMAUD E DR. CARLOS MONTEZ CHAMPALIMAUD · LISBOACoordinatorPortugal

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union