Application and dissemination of the brain initiative tool campari - the validated brain initiative tool CAMPARI3 enables permanent labeling of activated neurons through green- to-red photoconversion,…

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke awarded the University of New England $319,500 on September 1, 2026, under the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative to establish the feasibility of applying CAMPARI3, a validated neuroscience tool that enables permanent labeling of activated neurons through green-to-red photoconversion, to corneal primary afferent neurons and to integrate the tool into broader neuroscience research at UNE.

Aim 1 will determine whether CAMPARI3 can label physiologically distinct subpopulations of corneal-projecting trigeminal neurons in both healthy and dry eye conditions. Photoconverted neurons, activated via thermal and chemical stimulation, will be probed using multiplex RNAscope to map functional responses with molecular profiles. This proof-of-concept study will generate preliminary data for future R01 applications aimed at uncovering mechanisms of chronic corneal pain and identifying novel treatment targets. Aim 2 will expand CAMPARI utilization across UNE through annual summer courses, targeted virtual trainings, and creation of online educational resources. Working with BRAIN disseminators Drs. Marie-Eve Paquet and Hod Dana and in partnership with the Canadian Optogenetics and Vectorology Foundry, UNE will develop infrastructure and expertise to support widespread CAMPARI implementation for both in vitro and in vivo studies.

The period of performance runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028. Work is performed in Biddeford, Maine.

Application and dissemination of the brain initiative tool campari - the validated brain initiative tool CAMPARI3 enables permanent labeling of activated neurons through green- to-red photoconversion, facilitating the linkage of functional neural activity with transcriptomic identity. Leveraging the expertise of its developers, DRS. Marie-EVE paquet and HOD dana, this project seeks to establish the feasibility of applying CAMPARI3 to link functionally characterized corneal primary afferent neurons-diverse, highly specialized neurons critical for ocular pain and homeostasis- with their molecular signatures and to integrate this tool into broader neuroscience research at the university of new england (UNE), a resource-limited institution with growing biomedical research capacity. Aim 1 will determine whether CAMPARI3 can be used to label physiologically distinct subpopulations of corneal-projecting trigeminal neurons in both healthy and dry eye conditions. Photoconverted neurons, activated via thermal and chemical stimulation, will be probed using multiplex rnascope to map functional responses with molecular profiles. This proof-of-concept study will generate preliminary data for future R01 applications aimed at uncovering mechanisms of chronic corneal pain and identifying novel targets for its treatment. Aim 2 will expand campari utilization across UNE through annual summer courses, targeted virtual trainings, and creation of online educational resources. With expert guidance from brain disseminators DRS. Marie-EVE paquet and HOD dana, and in partnership with the canadian optogenetics and vectorology foundry, UNE will develop the infrastructure and expertise to support widespread campari implementation for both in vitro and in vivo studies. Incorporating trainings on campari and related technologies into courses offered by UNE's research core facilities will ensure continued support for this brain initiative tool beyond the funding period.