# Mechanisms that underlie cross-modal sensory plasticity - Diversity Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2021 · $76,752

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Sensory experiences during development profoundly influence sensory processing in mature animals. Since
most of an animal’s sensory experiences are multimodal, the activity of one sensory modality often causes
long-term changes in another modality. Such cross-modal plasticity not only leads to compensation for
sensory functions in the case of sensory deprivation, but also allows normal individuals to respond properly
to sensory stimuli in their unique habitats or situations and contributes to individual’s differences in the
perception of multisensory cues. Despite the importance of cross-modal plasticity, the underlying circuit and
molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. The objective of the parent grant R01NS104299 is to identify
the mechanisms that underlie cross-modal plasticity in the developing somatosensory system of Drosophila
larvae, and provide circuit and molecular models for guiding future studies in other species. The central
hypothesis is that gentle mechanosensory inputs during development strengthen serotonergic inhibition of
the synaptic transmission from nociceptors to multisensory second-order neurons (MSONs), which is
achieved through specific genes in the MSONs. The requested Research Supplement to Promote Diversity
in Health-Related Research will support the training of an outstanding postbaccalaureate. The research
proposed will supplement the originally proposed studies to ensure the successful attainment of its aims.
Two studies are proposed to supplement the original Aim 2: (1) determine whether FMRP is required for
cross-model behavioral plasticity; and (2) determine whether cross-modal plasticity affects neural ensemble
activities. These research activities will expand the research experiences of the supplementee. Moreover,
they will provide opportunities for her to learn scientific writing, oral presentation skills, and networking.
These training will position her strongly for a health-related research career.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10404187
- **Project number:** 3R01NS104299-04S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** BING YE
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $76,752
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-08-15 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10404187

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10404187, Mechanisms that underlie cross-modal sensory plasticity - Diversity Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (3R01NS104299-04S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10404187. Licensed CC0.

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