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Automated 3D quantitative analysis of dendritic spines imaged with light microsco

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 1R44MH093011-01
Agency Tracking Number: R44MH093011
Amount: $349,878.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: NIMH
Solicitation Number: PA10-050
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2012
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
185 ALLEN BROOK LN, STE 101
WILLISTON, VT -
United States
DUNS: 787008242
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 JEFFREY SPRENGER
 (802) 288-9290
 jeffs@mbfbioscience.com
Business Contact
 JACOB GLASER
Phone: (802) 288-9290
Email: jack@mbfbioscience.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In this Lab to Marketplace proposal, we aim to develop the MBF SpineStudio software incorporating the innovative, laboratory-based NeuronStudio software created at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Our SpineStudio software will enable automated detection, reconstruction and morphological classification of the structural analysis of dendritic spines. By creating this commercial software, we will improve the existing technology by providing validated, supported, and fully-documented software for automated 3D quantitative dendritic spine analysis. This software will integrate the specific advantages of the NeuronStudio software for a combination of neuron labeling, imaging (including in vivo), and image pre- processing techniques applied by the user without requiring expert knowledge in software programming. The software product will offer automated detection, reconstruction, and separate classification of complex spines (cup-shaped, multi-headed or branched, filopodia). Providing this innovative functionality will help research in important fields such as neurodegenerative diseases, learning, and memory. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Structural changes that occur in dendritic spines, the smallest element of neuronal anatomy, are hypothesized to underlie the processing and storage of information. Thus, dendritic spines have become a central target in research focusing on learning and memory and, in particular, on the prevention of cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases. Our proposed SpineStudio software will enable automated detection, reconstruction and morphological classification of the structural analysis of these dendritic spines. By creating a commercial product, incorporating the innovative NeuronStudio software, this will accelerate the pace of discovery and understanding of dendritic spines research by providing a reliable, robust and fully-supported research tool that is fully validated and continually developed.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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