# Impact of local network dynamics on visual cortex function

> **NIH NIH R01** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $418,041

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 GABAergic interneurons are central to the normal development and function of neocortical circuits. In
particular, cells that express the peptide somatostatin (SST-INs) are thought to play critical roles in both
spontaneous and sensory-evoked neuronal activity, primarily via their robust inhibition of the dendrites of
excitatory pyramidal neurons. However, the functional roles of the diverse classes of SST-INs in deep
cortical layers remain unknown. Furthermore, whereas the role of SST-INs in superficial cortical layers of
adult animals has been well characterized, their function in developing cortical circuits is unknown. Indeed,
the organization of synaptic connectivity of SST-INs at various developmental time points remains
unexplored. Our preliminary data suggest the surprising finding that the circuit-level influence of SST-INs is
not yet present at eye opening in juvenile mice, potentially revealing a critical developmental trajectory for
the influence of these interneurons and their contribution to visual processing. To further explore this
observation, we propose to combine a number of methodological approaches, including optogenetic
manipulations, 2-photon and electrophysiological monitoring of neuronal signaling, and in vivo
pharmacological manipulations. We will test the following hypotheses: (1) The extensive inputs to SST-INs
and their influence on local and large-scale cortical circuits develop during the postnatal period. (2) SST-IN
populations in superficial and deep layers of visual cortex are functionally distinct and differentially regulated
by behavioral state. (3) The activity of SST-INs and their underlying excitatory and neuromodulatory synaptic
drivers are strongly regulated by developmental age. Our results will provide an unprecedented level of
insight into the development and function of SST-INs and their relationship to visual processing in the
neocortex.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10121476
- **Project number:** 2R01EY022951-06A1
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JESSICA A CARDIN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $418,041
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2013-04-01 → 2025-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10121476

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10121476, Impact of local network dynamics on visual cortex function (2R01EY022951-06A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10121476. Licensed CC0.

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