The research proposed for this award will examine how spatial attention modulates cortical circuit activity in the early visual system. The proposed studies link the candidate's scientific background and future career objectives by examining intentional modulation of neuronal activity at multiple processing levels. Intentional effects will be observed at the individual cellular level (Aim 1), the local circuit level (Aim 2), and the cortical population level (Aims 1 and 3). By employing this novel approach toward understanding attention within the context of cellular and circuit processing, the candidate will draw upon experience across all phases of her research career. During the mentored phase of the proposed award, the candidate will simultaneously examine 1) how spatial attention modulates synaptic efficacy in cortical neurons receiving afferent thalamic input, and 2) how changes in cortical ensemble activity relate to the arrival of afferent information in attentive and non-attentive states. Through the instruction of two co-sponsors, one an expert in spatial attention task design/implementation/analysis and the other an expert in multi-electrode recording techniques/analysis, and with the vast resources already available at the University of California, Davis, the training received during the mentored phase will be invaluable to the longer-term objectives outlined in the independent phase of the proposal. As an independent investigator, the candidate will continue to address questions of functional dynamics in early visual cortical circuits using spatial attention tasks and multi-electrode recording. These experiments will further explore 1) whether and how the effects of spatial attention differ across neuronal cell types and local circuit levels, and 2) whether and how ongoing cortical network activity influences these intentional effects. All experiments proposed will be undertaken in the early visual system of awake-behaving monkeys, an ideal model for a number of reasons. First, while spatial attention influences early visual system activity, little is known about the mechanisms involved. Second, there is a wealth of knowledge available about the primate visual system. Third, the awake-behaving animal paradigm allows for the assessment of functionality in the fully cognizant state. Fourth, and most importantly, the primate visual system is similar to that of humans and therefore provides an ideal model for human cognition.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Career Transition Award (K99)
Project #
1K99EY018683-01A2
Application #
7659799
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZEY1-VSN (03))
Program Officer
Steinmetz, Michael A
Project Start
2009-08-01
Project End
2011-07-31
Budget Start
2009-08-01
Budget End
2010-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$90,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Davis
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
047120084
City
Davis
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
95618
Hasse, J Michael; Bragg, Elise M; Murphy, Allison J et al. (2018) Morphological heterogeneity among corticogeniculate neurons in ferrets: quantification and comparison with a previous report in macaque monkeys. J Comp Neurol :
Hembrook-Short, Jacqueline R; Mock, Vanessa L; Briggs, Farran (2017) Attentional Modulation of Neuronal Activity Depends on Neuronal Feature Selectivity. Curr Biol 27:1878-1887.e5
Bragg, Elise M; Briggs, Farran (2017) Large-scale Reconstructions and Independent, Unbiased Clustering Based on Morphological Metrics to Classify Neurons in Selective Populations. J Vis Exp :
Briggs, Farran; Kiley, Caitlin W; Callaway, Edward M et al. (2016) Morphological Substrates for Parallel Streams of Corticogeniculate Feedback Originating in Both V1 and V2 of the Macaque Monkey. Neuron 90:388-99
Bastos, Andre M; Briggs, Farran; Alitto, Henry J et al. (2014) Simultaneous recordings from the primary visual cortex and lateral geniculate nucleus reveal rhythmic interactions and a cortical source for ?-band oscillations. J Neurosci 34:7639-44
Briggs, Farran; Mangun, George R; Usrey, W Martin (2013) Attention enhances synaptic efficacy and the signal-to-noise ratio in neural circuits. Nature 499:476-80
Briggs, Farran; Usrey, W Martin (2011) Corticogeniculate feedback and visual processing in the primate. J Physiol 589:33-40
Briggs, Farran (2010) Organizing principles of cortical layer 6. Front Neural Circuits 4:3
Briggs, Farran; Usrey, W Martin (2010) Patterned Activity within the Local Cortical Architecture. Front Neurosci 4:18