# Voltage-gated calcium channels in the development of photoreceptor synapses

> **NIH NIH F32** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · 2020 · $67,446

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The overall objective of this proposal is to provide the applicant with training needed to become an
independent investigator in the field of vision research. The goal of the research plan is to define
processes that regulate the transmission of information at synapses in the retina, in order to shed light
on therapeutic strategies for acquired and inherited forms of vision loss. In the retina, photoreceptors
communicate the changes in light patterns as a neural signal at specialized connections known as
“ribbon” synapses. Alterations in the development and mature function of these synapses cause vision
impairment in humans. This transfer of information is coordinated by voltage-gated Cav1 Ca2+ channels.
The objective of this proposal is to establish the roles of voltage-gated Cav1 Ca2+ channels in the
development and maintenance of photoreceptor ribbon synapses using state-of the art techniques in
microscopy (confocal, super-resolution, serial block face scanning electron microscopy) and patch
clamp electrophysiology in combination with analyses of mice with altered expression of Cav1 channels.
Aim 1 will define the role of the Cav1.4 channel in the initial assembly of rod and cone synapses while
Aim 2 will determine the role of the Cav1.3 channel for the maintenance specifically of cone synapses.
The research plan will provide training in developmental neurobiology, mammalian retinal
electrophysiology, state-of the art microscopy and imaging, experimental design and rigor, and
quantitative analyses of complex datasets. Training activities include institutionally supported activities
to improve grantsmanship, scientific writing, oral communication, and mentorship.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10253608
- **Project number:** 7F32EY029953-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- **Principal Investigator:** John Wesley Maddox
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $67,446
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2019-09-30 → 2021-09-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10253608

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10253608, Voltage-gated calcium channels in the development of photoreceptor synapses (7F32EY029953-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-29 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10253608. Licensed CC0.

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