# Exploratory studies of spontaneous cortical activity in visual cortical development

> **NIH NIH R21** · WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $229,500

## Abstract

Summary
Our overall goal is to investigate developmental processes in visual cortex (V1) that do not require visual
experience but are instead influenced by endogenous neuronal activity. This initial experience-independent
stage of development is critically important for the formation of rudimentary circuits that are subsequently
sculpted by visual experience. Neonatal mammals spend most of their time in rapid-eye-movement (REM)
sleep, which suggests that this brain state provides a principal source of endogenous activity to the developing
brain. This idea has not been explored in depth using current neurobiological methods. The proposed
exploratory research will thus provide important new insights into how sleep and experience together shape
developing circuitry and how abnormal sleep during infancy may adversely impact brain development. To
achieve our goal, we will measure V1 activity in developing ferrets to determine if spontaneous activity in REM
sleep is structured in a manner that may instruct or maintain developing circuits. We will then directly test the
role of REM sleep V1 activity in the development of visual response properties. This will be accomplished
using a combination of polysomnography, genetically encoded calcium indicator imaging and optogenetics
(optimized for small mammals). This A1 proposal has been revised in accordance with recommendations from
prior review.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10527992
- **Project number:** 1R21EY033485-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** MARCOS G FRANK
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $229,500
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10527992

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10527992, Exploratory studies of spontaneous cortical activity in visual cortical development (1R21EY033485-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10527992. Licensed CC0.

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