The mammalian cortex is an intricate, highly-organized neural circuit which processes sensory information and generates motor outputs that embody much of our behavior. It is likely that the local connectivity within cortical circuits is crucial to the computations performed. This proposal aims to explore how this connectivity is established during development in relation to visual processing. We will use multi-electrode recording along with quantitative models for receptive field characterization to determine how sensory encoding evolves during development. Further, by analyzing signals from simultaneously recorded neurons or other """"""""optical probing"""""""" techniques, it should be possible to establish graphs of connectivity, and understand the properties of connected neurons. We will then apply these techniques to address the changes in both visual responses and connectivity resulting from monocular deprivation, which is an important model for activity dependent remodeling. In the end, this information will provide crucial tests and constraints for theoretical models of cortical development and information processing.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32EY016932-01
Application #
6999674
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F02B (20))
Program Officer
Oberdorfer, Michael
Project Start
2005-09-01
Project End
2006-08-31
Budget Start
2005-09-01
Budget End
2006-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$43,976
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California San Francisco
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
094878337
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94143