# Circuitry Mechanisms of Enhanced Visual Plasticity During Locomotion

> **NIH NIH K99** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2020 · $54,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 The developing visual cortex is remarkably plastic, capable of exhibiting a long-term modification of
its neuronal responses to adapt to the external environment. However, this experience-dependent
plasticity becomes much less prominent in the adult animal, responsible for reduced learning ability and
incomplete recovery from brain injury. Therefore, it is critical to identify ways to enhance adult plasticity
and elucidate its underlying neural mechanism. Recent works have demonstrated that running is
effective in enhancing adult brain functions and visual plasticity in animals and human beings.
Therefore, the proposed research aims to dissect the underlying circuit to uncover the principle
governing brain plasticity and provide a mechanistic understanding for potential therapeutic intervention
to promote rehabilitation and visual perceptual learning. I will characterize the intracortical circuit and
subcortical neuromodulatory system involved in cortical plasticity, with novel and multidisciplinary
approaches including state-of-the-art imaging techniques, optogenetics, and electrophysiology.
 In the mentored phase of the award, the proposed study will focus on local inhibitory circuit that
contributes to the enhanced visual responsiveness during locomotion-dependent visual plasticity.
Taking advantage of transgenetic mouse models and two-photon calcium imaging, I will measure the
activity patterns in different types of inhibitory neurons, especially the less studied VIP and SST
interneurons, at single-cell resolution to track their longitudinal changes during visual plasticity. I will
also learn to utilize optogenetics, together with patch clamping, to determine how specific inhibitory
inputs will contribute to visual enhancement in a subpopulation of excitatory neurons. In the
independent stage of the award, I hope to lead a research team to pinpoint the neuromodulatory
systems that play an essential role in driving plasticity. With viral tracing and deep-brain imaging, I aim
to identify subcortical projecting pathways that convey locomotion-related information. I will combine in
vivo optogenetics and high-density electrophysiology recording to study how neuromodulatory systems,
particularly the long-questioned serotonin, affect cortical processing and leads to cortical plasticity.
 In the long term, I hope to understand how interconnected brain circuits integrate to modulate visual
activity and plasticity, the fundamental basis for perceptual learning and rehabilitation in normal and
pathological conditions. Dr. Stryker is a world-prominent expert in visual plasticity and a reputed mentor
for foresting and supporting young scientists. Together with Dr. Sohal, the two labs at UCSF are an
ideal environment for the proposed projects, which will provide me with abundant resources, substantial
technical supports, and invaluable intellectual insights to ensure the successful completion of the
research and career development...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10213933
- **Project number:** 3K99EY029002-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Yujiao Jennifer Sun
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $54,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-04-01 → 2021-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10213933

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10213933, Circuitry Mechanisms of Enhanced Visual Plasticity During Locomotion (3K99EY029002-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10213933. Licensed CC0.

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