# Research Project 1 - Developing and applying tools to probe internal state dynamics of perception and motivation

> **NIH NIH U19** · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $435,073

## Abstract

Research Project 1 - Internal state dynamics of perception and motivati0n
 Lead: Karl Deisseroth MD PhD
Summary
This project is focused on development and application of technology for probing the interaction of external
sensory input with internal states of the mammalian brain. The unique leverage of our team is technology-driven
experimental access to new regimes of speed, scope, and resolution in defining and tuning these internal states.
First, we will quantify the population dynamics and statistical structure of time-varying spontaneous activity
across the volume of primary visual cortex (with individual cells defined by position and wiring in 3D space, and
by molecular identity) to test impact of spontaneous fluctuations on environmental stimulus-triggered neuronal
activity and animal behavior. Next, we will quantify cortical activity during transitions among internal states
(along with behaviors), impose precisely-defined ensemble activity to assess impact of state transitions on
evoked population dynamics and behavior, and quantify endogenous activity influencing these states to assess
natural mechanisms and effects. Finally, we will integrate our biological findings and new technological
capabilities to directly and precisely impose more complex temporal dynamics of interest by controlling multiple
single cells in multiple cortical regions over time. The same cells observed to be active and important in behavior
will be made available for molecular phenotyping analysis, so that cell typology may be linked to the specific
natural and causal roles of cells in this important domain of circuit computation and behavior.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10047732
- **Project number:** 1U19NS118284-01
- **Recipient organization:** STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Karl A. Deisseroth
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $435,073
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-17 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10047732

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10047732, Research Project 1 - Developing and applying tools to probe internal state dynamics of perception and motivation (1U19NS118284-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10047732. Licensed CC0.

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