# Understanding the role of convergence at the retinogeniculate synapse

> **NIH NIH F32** · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · 2022 · $70,082

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the output cells of the retina and consist of over 30 types that encode distinct
features of the visual scene. These parallel information streams encoded by different RGC types are routed to
the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) before being transmitted to the primary visual cortex (V1) to mediate
visual perception. While it was long thought that dLGN neurons simply relay information encoded by RGCs to
V1, emerging evidence has demonstrated that there is more convergence of RGC inputs onto dLGN neurons
than previously appreciated. This raises the question of how information encoded by RGCs is transformed in the
dLGN before reaching V1.
The overall goal of this proposal is to understand the functional role of retinal convergence in visual processing.
Proposed experiments will involve manipulating the activity of specific RGC types to understand how information
is integrated in dLGN neurons. This proposal encompass two aims: (1) To assess the contribution of specific
RGC types to the response properties of dLGN neurons (2) To determine if visual experience can alter the
response properties of dLGN neurons by changing the strength of RGC inputs. This work will provide important
insights into how parallel information streams are integrated in the dLGN and have broad implications for
understanding the function of convergence in sensory processing.
In conducting these experiments, I will learn how to pair optogenetics with in vivo electrophysiological recordings
to study the nervous system at the synaptic and circuit levels. Conceptually, these experiments will teach me
how to investigate the dynamic properties of neural circuits. The proposed research will be combined with a
tailored training plan that will prepare me for a successful independent research career studying the nervous
system at different levels.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10471203
- **Project number:** 5F32EY033202-02
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Takuma Sonoda
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $70,082
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10471203

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10471203, Understanding the role of convergence at the retinogeniculate synapse (5F32EY033202-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10471203. Licensed CC0.

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