# Mechanisms of Visual Encoding and Plasticity in Anterior Cingulate Cortex

> **NIH NIH R00** · CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE · 2022 · $238,981

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Mouse primary visual cortex (V1) is capable of encoding visual stimuli and undergoing bidirectional plasticity
coincident with patterned visual experience. The prefrontal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) receives input from
visual cortex, but mechanisms of visual encoding and experience-dependent plasticity in ACC are not well-
understood. The goal of the proposed research is to define how ACC encodes and adapts to patterned visual
experience. During the K99 phase, I will pair in vivo and ex vivo recordings with optogenetic and chemogenetic
circuit manipulations to study how ACC microcircuits encode visual input. K99 training in two-photon calcium
imaging will enable longitudinal studies of how individual neurons adapt to visual experience during the R00
phase. As abnormal sensory processing is a common feature of autism spectrum disorder, further R00
research will use approaches developed during K99 training to assess ACC microcircuit function in single-gene
mouse models of autism. My long-term career goals are to advance basic knowledge of visual processing and
to improve the lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders through a collaborative program of basic
and translational research. To achieve my goal of securing a tenure track faculty position as an independent
researcher in neuroscience research, I have developed a comprehensive career development plan with the
support of co-mentors Dr. Ben Philpot and Dr. Spencer Smith (UNC) and collaborators Dr. Paul Manis (UNC)
and Dr. Jeff Gavornik (Boston University). This plan includes a) technical training in two-photon imaging, b)
collaborative projects, c) training in presentation skills, d) training in mentoring skills, e) training in grant writing,
f) career guidance, g) clinical exposure, h) formal coursework, i) teaching opportunties, and j) progress
monitoring and evalulation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10426129
- **Project number:** 5R00EY028964-05
- **Recipient organization:** CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** Michael S Sidorov
- **Activity code:** R00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $238,981
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-30 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10426129

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10426129, Mechanisms of Visual Encoding and Plasticity in Anterior Cingulate Cortex (5R00EY028964-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10426129. Licensed CC0.

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