Neural Networks Structure and Function

The platform for structure and function of neural network in Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology (GDIIST) is planned to be established in 2021 and is an important part of this innovative institute. The platform is one of the three major technology platforms supporting brain-inspired and intelligent technology research. It fully relies on the advantages of research and resource of GDIIST in the fields of perceptual and cognitive neural network research, mechanism of cognitive impairment disease and so on. By uniting researchers and technicians, it is a professional and open resource sharing platform organized according to subject fields and specialty. The platform aims to ensure the efficient operation of public scientific facilities and equipment under the share mechanism and provide technical services, strong support is given for the scientific innovation. Duties are as follows:

1. Establish a technology system of single-cell research, for the study of neuron classification, neuron atlas, etc.;

2. Establish a technical system such as neuron tracking and labeling, image acquisition and processing to study neural circuits and network connections;

3. Establish technical systems such as electrophysiology, calcium imaging and fosTRAP for neuronal function research;

4. Construct a standard laboratory for animal behavior experiment to support functional research;

5. Construct a human brain-imaging research platform to support the analysis of human brain structure and function.

At the same time, it will build itself into a public technical service platform with first-class equipment and first-class soft power in the field. 

Existed technical services are as follows:

1. . Optical microscopy imaging platform:

The optical microscopy imaging platform focuses on morphological and neural circuit research, including high-throughput cell imaging analysis systems, single-photon confocal microscopes, fast slide scanning system, and general fluorescence microscopes. Meanwhile, the platform also cooperates with researchers to develop ultra-miniature optical fiber two-photon microscopes.

2. Molecular cell technology platform:

Molecular cell technology platform provides flow cytometry analysis/sorting, single-cell sequencing, qPCR and other technical services to the institute, which can meet the requirements of ultra-high-speed sorting and purification, high-throughput single-clonal sorting or cell chip preparation, and the need on the research of neuronal genome, transcription and gene regulation.

3. Ultrasound functional imaging/stimulation system platform:

It focuses on developing an integrated system of ultrasound brain-spine functional imaging and stimulation, which provides the development basis for the equipment required for basic research and corresponding clinical transformation. It is equipped with a multi-channel ultrasound platform.

4. Experimental animal platform:

The experimental animal platform provides supports of animal experiments for GDIIST. It is equipped with a series of equipment for neural network research, behavioral research, as well as electrophysiology, optogenetics. The research of pain perception behavior, itch perception behavior and learning and memory behavior can be conducted conveniently.