Munachimso Agwa
Pronouns: She/her
Research Mentor(s): Dawen Cai
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Cell and Developmental Biology; Biophysics; Neuroscience Graduate Program / Medicine
Program:
Authors: Mou-Chi Cheng, Munachimso Agwa, Maggie McGlothlin
Session: Session 2: 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Poster: 45
Abstract
The mouse brain demonstrates an impressive capability to form millimeter-long connections within a vast network of neurons. However, achieving detailed imaging of a whole mouse brain presents challenges due to its light-scattering properties. The current imaging depth for the whole mouse brain tissue is limited to a few hundred microns. This project aims to significantly enhance imaging depth and potentially capture the entire mouse brain, a development that could revolutionize fluorescence imaging and enable visualization and analysis of neuronal networks on an unprecedented scale. Successful perfusion is vital for experimenting on an intact and well-preserved brain. Tissue clearing involves embedding whole mouse brain samples in our improved hydrogel matrix, leading to the formation of cross-linked proteins within the brain tissue and gel framework. This method effectively preserves the structural integrity of the tissue by immobilizing proteins to the gel framework. Additionally, an enzyme-driven dilapidation procedure with specific detergents clears the entire brain samples embedded in the gel matrix. To further minimize mismatches between clear samples and the gel, a refractive index matching solution was also tested. Working with advanced immunohistochemical microscopy on the cleared brain allows researchers to map neuronal pathways in three-dimensional space, facilitating highly detailed computerized reconstructions.
