This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The goals of this project are to examine the mechanisms involved in the development of neural circuits and compare these mechanisms of neural development to the mechanisms involved in regeneration in zebrafish. The purpose of this project is to determine whether neural regeneration is similar to the process of neural development or whether the two processes represent different mechanisms. The first specific aim of this work is to determine whether the recovery of the retina and tectum following retinal damage follows the same anatomical and physiological sequence found in normal development. The second specific aim is to examine whether environmental factors can modify the sequence of neural development and regeneration. To determine the importance of environmental signals in the developing and regenerating retina, retinoic acid (RA) levels will be altered; RA is a known morphogen necessary for retinal development. The project's significance is that it will provide a better understanding of the relationship between neural regeneration and visual development and has implications for eye health issues and for any eye disease in which retinal damage occurs.
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