Mechanisms of Visual Encoding and Plasticity in Anterior Cingulate Cortex

项目总结/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功能 与模式化的视觉体验一致。前额叶前扣带皮层（ACC）接收来自 视觉皮层，但视觉编码和经验依赖的可塑性在ACC的机制不是很好， 明白这项研究的目的是确定前扣带回是如何编码和适应模式化的视觉信号的。 体验.在K99阶段，我将在体内和离体记录与光遗传学和化学遗传学配对。 电路操作来研究ACC微电路如何编码视觉输入。K99双光子钙培训 成像将使纵向研究如何个别神经元适应视觉经验在R 00 相位由于异常的感觉处理是自闭症谱系障碍的共同特征，进一步R 00 研究将使用K99训练期间开发的方法来评估ACC微电路在单基因中的功能。 自闭症的老鼠模型。我的长期职业目标是提高视觉处理的基础知识， 通过一个基本的合作项目来改善神经发育障碍患者的生活， 和翻译研究。为了实现我的目标，作为一个独立的教师， 作为神经科学研究的研究员，我已经制定了一个全面的职业发展计划， 共同导师Ben菲尔波特博士和Spencer Smith博士（博士）以及合作者Paul Manis博士（博士）的支持 Jeff Gavornik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）演讲技能培训，d）指导技能培训，e）撰写赠款的培训， f）职业指导，g）临床接触，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.