# Synaptic and intrinsic mechanisms underlying visual cortical enhancement following retinal inactivation

> **NIH NIH K99** · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2020 · $70,650

## Abstract

Project Summary
Amblyopia is widespread form of human visual disability caused by a disparity in visual quality between the two
eyes during early postnatal life. This disparity drives ocular dominance plasticity in the visual cortex to favor
the stronger eye at the expense of the weaker (amblyopic) eye. Consequently, synapses in the visual cortex
downstream of the amblyopic eye are weakened, a process that is difficult to reverse unless treatment is
initiated during infancy or early childhood. Recent work in animal models has suggested several strategies for
promoting recovery from amblyopia. While the pathophysiology underlying amblyopia has been well studied,
the synaptic and cellular conditions underlying recovery are less clear. This proposal focuses on a treatment
strategy that rapidly promotes visual recovery following experimental amblyopia via temporary inactivation of
the retinas. A temporary period of retinal inactivation leads of a stable enhancement of visual cortical
responses once vision is restored. The goal of this proposal is to identify how retinal inactivation alters
synaptic, cellular, and circuit-level properties to promote visual cortical enhancement. The long-term objective
of this research is to understand how cortical plasticity is engaged to promote recovery and to inform clinical
interventions for treating human amblyopia.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10205840
- **Project number:** 3K99EY029326-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Ming-fai Fong
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $70,650
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-08-05 → 2021-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10205840

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10205840, Synaptic and intrinsic mechanisms underlying visual cortical enhancement following retinal inactivation (3K99EY029326-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-29 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10205840. Licensed CC0.

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