Advanced lightsheet imaging to study cells in realistic 3D environments
Official title: Transformative lightsheet microscopy techniques for subcellular imaging in physiologically relevant 3D environments
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11385418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist at a university is testing new ways to watch tiny cell processes in meaningful 3D tissues faster and more clearly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $373,394 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151152-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385418 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not a patient-facing trial; this is a technology-development grant focused on imaging methods that may ultimately support future patient research.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefits to patients are not the primary aim of this grant.
What this research studies
This project aims to push the limits of optical imaging by combining lightsheet microscopy with tissue-clearing techniques to observe cellular interactions in realistic 3D environments. The team will develop and refine methods to increase imaging speed, resolution, and depth while minimizing light damage to living samples. The work is designed to connect what happens at the cellular level with broader tissue behavior and responses to treatments. It’s a foundational, technology-enhancing effort with potential to enable clearer insights into how cells communicate and respond in complex tissues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit indirectly from faster, more detailed imaging insights that inform better cancer therapies and tissue biology understanding.
How similar studies have gone: Previous imaging advances have improved depth and speed, but integration across scales remains challenging and this work seeks to advance that integration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chakraborty, Tonmoy — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Chakraborty, Tonmoy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving how we predict electronic behavior in DNA for smarter therapies
A research project at the University of New Mexico uses AI, quantum chemistry, and simulations to better predict how DNA and related molecules behave, which could speed up designing safer, more effective therapies.
-
From fleeting states to therapeutics: understanding RNA targets to aid drug discovery
A grants project at UNM aims to understand how RNA structures in HIV-1 TAR influence binding with potential peptide drugs, using single-molecule methods and computer models.
-
Improve and test a veteran-focused alcohol help app
A project will upgrade and test an existing mobile program to help military veterans reduce risky drinking without requiring complete abstinence.
-
Which alcohol use disorder treatment will work best for you
This project uses data from past clinical trials and machine learning to predict how well different treatments for alcohol use disorder might work for individual patients.
-
Understanding how gut immunity defends against Toxoplasma
This project explores how the immune system in the intestinal lining fights a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, focusing on the MyD88 signaling pathways that help start and shape protection.
-
Understanding what drives alcohol use disorder and building a patient-friendly test
A researcher at a major university is studying the underlying mechanisms of alcohol use disorder to create a practical test that could guide personalized treatments.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.