# Circuit dynamics underlying perceptual learning in the functionally organized visual cortex

> **NIH NIH F32** · MAX PLANCK FLORIDA CORPORATION · 2024 · $81,364

## Abstract

Project Summary
Experience shapes cortical sensory representations in a remarkable manner during development, but after
maturation capacity for plasticity becomes limited. The tightly regulated plasticity of the mature cortex enables
learning but impedes the brain’s capacity to regain appropriate function after injury, stroke or prolonged sensory
loss. Studying mechanisms that underlie perceptual learning in the adult stage will advance our understanding
of perception and will provide the foundation to develop novel approaches that promote plasticity in the adult
brain. Recent studies in the tree shrew (tupaia belangeri), a highly visual mammal that shares cortical
organization features with primates, show that learning a reward-based orientation discrimination task leads to
long lasting changes in excitatory responses that increase discriminability between task relevant stimuli in the
mature primary visual cortex (V1). However, we lack a clear understanding of the underlying circuit mechanisms
that are responsible for these changes. I will combine my previous experience studying mechanisms of synaptic
plasticity with new training focused on expanding my technical expertise in cutting edge optical approaches to
uncover the mechanisms underlying perceptual learning in the tree shrew. Preliminary data suggest that a
transient and feature specific decrease in the inhibitory network response precedes changes in the excitatory
neuronal population associated with enhanced performance, showing that the learning process in tree shrew V1
layer 2/3 is a precise one where circuit elements are engaged with both feature and temporal specificity. I will
employ chronic 2-photon imaging in combination with novel genetic enhancers and precise RNAscope
technology to determine changes in the response properties of V1 inhibitory neural subpopulations during
perceptual learning (Aim 1). Additionally, I will define changes in the functional synaptic architecture of excitatory
neurons that undergo learning-related changes (Aim 2) by applying calcium imaging of dendritic spines through
the learning process. Finally, I will establish the spatiotemporal recruitment of acetylcholine release during
discrimination learning (Aim 3) by taking advantage of a recently developed cholinergic sensor that can be
imaged chronically through learning stages. This project capitalizes on the functional organization of the tree
shrew V1 area as a unique model to address how perceptual learning is implemented in highly structured cortical
networks akin to those found in the primate cortex. The studies will take place in a collaborative environment at
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) known for developing innovative approaches to address
fundamental questions about neural circuits and hosting one of the few tree shrew colonies in the world.
Completion of these aims and training plan will lead to a comprehensive framework describing the progression
of learning-related plas...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10808204
- **Project number:** 5F32EY034024-03
- **Recipient organization:** MAX PLANCK FLORIDA CORPORATION
- **Principal Investigator:** Gabriela del Mar Rodriguez
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $81,364
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-04-01 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10808204

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10808204, Circuit dynamics underlying perceptual learning in the functionally organized visual cortex (5F32EY034024-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10808204. Licensed CC0.

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