Advanced Course on Preclinical Imaging

Basic information

The course aims to teach multimodal preclinical imaging techniques, including in vivo two-photon microscopy, in vivo multi-photon-based label-free techniques (SHG, THG, CARS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of small rodents. Participants will acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills in various neuroimaging techniques, with a focus on intravital multi-photon microscopy and MRI principles. Emphasizing the importance of animal models in physiological research, the course guides participants through the entire process of conducting preclinical bioimaging experiments. It includes a detailed pipeline for analyzing brain tumour structures and functional parameters, covering cranial window surgery, two-photon microscopy usage, perfusion MRI and subsequent image analysis. Additionally, the workshop addresses the challenges in using animal models for research and provides access to field experts.

Intended audience

The course is designed for researchers (PhD candidates, Postdocs, Principal Investigators, etc.) with a serious interest in integrating in vivo imaging into their projects.

Methods

two-photon fluorescent microscopy (functional calcium/voltage imaging, structural imaging), second harmonic generation (SHG), third harmonic generation (THG), coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS), high field magnetic resonance perfusion imaging (MRI), fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM)

Registration and admission

Course fee: 11500 CZK incl. VAT (approx. 450 EUR)
Registration deadline: extended to 6. 9.
Payment deadline: extended to 6. 9.

During registration, applicants are asked to describe their expectations of the course and which problems they would like to be addressed. They should also explain how the knowledge gained during the course will benefit their research. The text should be approximately 200-300 words long.

Selection

The course is open to 10 participants. Should the number of applicants exceed the available spaces, selection will be based on the relevance of each applicant’s description of their expectations for the course and how they plan to apply the knowledge gained in their research.

Payment

Selected candidates will be informed by email about all payment details after the acceptance confirmation. The course fee is fully refundable before the payment deadline. After the payment deadline, the fee is not refundable.

The fee includes all course materials and teaching, meals throughout the course, refreshments during the opening and closing social events, transportation between Prague and Brno, and accommodation in Brno for the night from Thursday to Friday. The fee does not cover travel costs to and from the course location (excluding the transportation provided between Prague and Brno) or accommodation from Monday to Thursday.

Program

Day 1 (Monday) – theoretical overview of multimodal preclinical brain imaging

The first day will feature several theoretical lectures to provide participants with the necessary background on the topics addressed by the course.

The day concludes with an opening social event, allowing participants an opportunity for networking.

Day 2-4 (Tuesday-Thursday) – multi-photon microscopy and cranial window implantation

Over the next three days, participants, divided into small groups, will engage in a series of hands-on sessions focusing on cranial window implantation, multi-photon imaging techniques, and subsequent data analysis.

Hands-on sessions will cover:

• Craniotomy practice on an eggshell-based cranium model
• Demonstration of cranial window implantation in vivo
• Cranial window implantation practice ex vivo
• Functional and structural two-photon microscopy imaging
• Multi-photon label-free techniques (SHG, THG, CARS) and FLIM
• Image analysis of two-photon microscopy data

A second social gathering will be held on Thursday evening in Brno.

Day 5 – MRI

The final day is dedicated to MRI perfusion techniques. Participants will be introduced to tumour MRI imaging, animal preparation for MRI imaging and subsequent data analysis.

Location

The first four days will take place in Prague. On Thursday afternoon, participants will be transported by bus to Brno for the MRI sessions on Friday. The course concludes with a return to Prague on Friday evening.

Equipment

Bruker Ultima Intravital

Custom upright Bruker confocal microscope, specifically designed for live animal imaging and stain-free tissue imaging.

Femtonics FEMTO3D Atlas

Upright two-photon microscope designed for ultra-fast functional in vivo imaging of small rodents

Bruker Biospec 94/30 Avance III HD

Small-animal 9.4 Tesla MR scanner suitable for mice, rats and rabbits.