# The Function of Neural Activity in Developing Retina

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · 2024 · $389,118

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Spontaneous activity is a hallmark of developing neural systems. Prior to the maturation of vision, immature
retinal neurons spontaneously generate correlated activity. This activity propagates in the form of waves of action
potentials that sweep across the retinal ganglion cell layer. Retinal waves persist from embryonic day 16 through
two weeks after birth, a developmental period when functional circuits within the retina are emerging and retinal
projections to the brain are undergoing a tremendous amount of refinement. Here we explore three Aims regarding
mechanisms underlying the function of retinal waves.
In Aim 1, we focus on understanding the circuits that mediate embryonic retinal waves. At this age, the retina is
comprised of retinal ganglion cells, a few amacrine cells, and an extensive neuroblastic layer in which the other
cell types are differentiating. Despite the lack of mature circuit elements, retinal waves are robust. Here we test
hypotheses regarding the relative role of gap junction coupling and synaptic transmission in mediating these
waves.
In Aim 2 we focus on second postnatal week when retinal waves exhibit a profound propagation bias. During this
time period, the majority of waves travel in the nasal direction, a firing pattern which mimics optic flow induced
by forward motion. Here we explore the hypothesis that this asymmetry in propagating activity is due to
asymmetric connectivity between a GABAergic interneurons that are well integrated into wave generating
circuits.
Finally, in Aim 3 we investigate the role of retinal waves and visual stimulation of light-sensitive retinal ganglion
cells in the release of dopamine in the developing retina. Though dopamine plays a key role in several
developmental processes, what controls release is unknown. We will employ a novel imaging method that allows
for measuring phasic dopamine release in parallel with calcium transients. Using this method, we will explore the
relative role of retinal waves and light stimulation in mediating dopamine release during development.”

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10791814
- **Project number:** 5R01EY013528-22
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY
- **Principal Investigator:** Marla Feller
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $389,118
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2002-04-01 → 2027-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10791814

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10791814, The Function of Neural Activity in Developing Retina (5R01EY013528-22). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-11 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10791814. Licensed CC0.

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