The aim of this proposal is to identify genes and molecular mechanisms that are involved in experience- dependent plasticity. This knowledge will allow us not only to understand the visual system development, but also to determine the cellular events that underlie plasticity and that can be the targets for therapies of diseases or injury to the nervous system. I propose to utilize high density DNA microarrays to discover genes that are expressed in mouse visual cortex during the critical period for normal development and in protocols of visual input deprivation. By using advanced computational tools I will identify the molecular events involved in different forms of deprivation. I will further confirm my results by using both semi-quantitative RT- PCR and histological (in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry) techniques. The physiological role of selected candidate molecules will further be tested in vivo with optical imaging of intrinsic signals, single unit recording, two photon imaging. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32EY017240-02
Application #
7176137
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F02B (20))
Program Officer
Steinmetz, Michael A
Project Start
2006-02-01
Project End
2009-01-31
Budget Start
2007-02-01
Budget End
2008-01-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$55,852
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department
Miscellaneous
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
001425594
City
Cambridge
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02139
Tropea, Daniela; Sur, Mriganka; Majewska, Ania Katarzyna (2011) Experience-dependent plasticity in visual cortex: Dendritic spines and visual responsiveness. Commun Integr Biol 4:216-9
Tropea, Daniela; Majewska, Ania K; Garcia, Rodrigo et al. (2010) Structural dynamics of synapses in vivo correlate with functional changes during experience-dependent plasticity in visual cortex. J Neurosci 30:11086-95
McCurry, Cortina L; Shepherd, Jason D; Tropea, Daniela et al. (2010) Loss of Arc renders the visual cortex impervious to the effects of sensory experience or deprivation. Nat Neurosci 13:450-7