Mechanisms of Visual Encoding and Plasticity in Anterior Cingulate Cortex

项目摘要/摘要 小鼠初级视皮层(V1)具有编码视觉刺激和双向可塑性的能力 与模式化的视觉体验相吻合。前额前扣带回皮质(ACC)接受来自 视觉皮质，但视觉编码和经验依赖性可塑性的机制在ACC中并不是很好。 明白了。拟议研究的目标是定义ACC如何编码和适应图案化视觉 经验。在K99阶段，我将配对体内和体外的记录与光遗传学和化学遗传学 电路操作，研究ACC微电路如何对视觉输入进行编码。K99双光子钙离子训练 成像将能够对单个神经元如何适应R00期间的视觉体验进行纵向研究 相位。由于感觉加工异常是自闭症谱系障碍的共同特征，进一步的R00 研究将使用在K99培训期间开发的方法来评估单基因的ACC微电路功能 自闭症的小鼠模型。我的长期职业目标是提高视觉处理的基础知识和 通过一项合作计划改善神经发育障碍患者的生活 和翻译研究。为了实现我获得终身教职的目标，我以独立教师的身份 作为神经科学研究的研究员，我与 共同导师Ben Philpot博士和Spencer Smith博士(北卡罗来纳大学)以及合作者Paul Manis博士(北卡罗来纳大学)的支持 杰夫·加沃尼克博士(波士顿大学)。该计划包括a)双光子成像技术培训，b) 合作项目，c)陈述技能培训，d)指导技能培训，e)赠款撰写培训， F)职业指导，g)临床经验，h)正式课程，i)教学机会，j)进步 监测和评估。

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Mouse primary visual cortex (V1) is capable of encoding visual stimuli and undergoing bidirectional plasticity coincident with patterned visual experience. The prefrontal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) receives input from visual cortex, but mechanisms of visual encoding and experience-dependent plasticity in ACC are not well- understood. The goal of the proposed research is to define how ACC encodes and adapts to patterned visual experience. During the K99 phase, I will pair in vivo and ex vivo recordings with optogenetic and chemogenetic circuit manipulations to study how ACC microcircuits encode visual input. K99 training in two-photon calcium imaging will enable longitudinal studies of how individual neurons adapt to visual experience during the R00 phase. As abnormal sensory processing is a common feature of autism spectrum disorder, further R00 research will use approaches developed during K99 training to assess ACC microcircuit function in single-gene mouse models of autism. My long-term career goals are to advance basic knowledge of visual processing and to improve the lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders through a collaborative program of basic and translational research. To achieve my goal of securing a tenure track faculty position as an independent researcher in neuroscience research, I have developed a comprehensive career development plan with the support of co-mentors Dr. Ben Philpot and Dr. Spencer Smith (UNC) and collaborators Dr. Paul Manis (UNC) and Dr. Jeff Gavornik (Boston University). This plan includes a) technical training in two-photon imaging, b) collaborative projects, c) training in presentation skills, d) training in mentoring skills, e) training in grant writing, f) career guidance, g) clinical exposure, h) formal coursework, i) teaching opportunties, and j) progress monitoring and evalulation.