Visual Function & Morphology Core

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.