The auditory system localizes sound in azimuth by computing interaural time delays. In the avian auditory brainstem, nucleus magnocellularis (NM) is the first central nucleus in this temporal coding pathway. NM contains highly specialized anatomic, synaptic, and intrinsic properties that play key roles in shaping inhibitory responses and maintaining temporal fidelity in NM. The development of these specializations is poorly understood.
The first aim i s to describe the time-course of the development of inhibition in chick NM using in vitro electrophysiological techniques..
The second aim i s to understand the developmental importance of afferent excitatory inputs in the development of inhibition using otocyst removal followed by physiological recordings.
The third aim will examine role of Kv1.1 in developing the normal NM phenotype using RNA interference techniques. Plasmids encoding RNAs designed to interfere with the Kcnal, the Kv1.1 gene, and an EGFP reporter gene will be electroporated in ovo in early embryos. The physiology of transfected cells will be examined through development. These manipulations are hypothesized to alter the normal development of NM anatomy and physiological responses to excitatory and inhibitory inputs. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31DC008035-01A1
Application #
7113269
Study Section
Communication Disorders Review Committee (CDRC)
Program Officer
Sklare, Dan
Project Start
2006-01-09
Project End
2009-07-23
Budget Start
2006-01-09
Budget End
2007-01-08
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$32,407
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Washington
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
605799469
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195