# Linking endoplasmic reticulum calcium handling to neuronal function in vivo in the Drosophila visual system

> **NIH NIH F31** · COLUMBIA UNIV NEW YORK MORNINGSIDE · 2024 · $42,574

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Calcium (Ca2+) is a critical regulator of neurotransmission in both axons and dendrites of neurons. Ca2+
fluctuations during neuronal activation are usually attributed to influx through voltage gated Ca2+ channels, but
in vitro evidence suggests that intracellular Ca2+ handling, particularly by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), could
shape cytosolic Ca2+ signals and therefore neurotransmission. Our preliminary data indicate that the ER in
neurons of the Drosophila visual system displays Ca2+ fluctuations in response to visual stimulus in vivo. Given
that altered ER Ca2+ signaling has been implicated in neurodegeneration and retinal degeneration, the objective
of this work is to determine the role of ER Ca2+ signaling in Drosophila visual system neurons and determine the
molecular basis of compartment specific ER Ca2+ signals in motion vision circuits. The first aim is to determine
the underlying mechanisms governing compartment specific ER Ca2+ signals using in vivo 2-photon microscopy.
Findings from this aim will help elucidate the functional roles of ER Ca2+ signals in axons and dendrites. The
second aim is to determine the role of ER Ca2+ handling neurotransmission and in motion vision circuit function,
leveraging genetic perturbations in well-defined circuits. These studies will determine if ER Ca2+ signaling shapes
cytosolic Ca2+ fluctuations, linking it to circuit function and neurotransmission in the visual system. The fellowship
training plan includes in vivo 2-photon imaging, Drosophila genetics, programming, and career guidance.
Through training opportunities during this project, I will develop the skills to complete this work, and continue in
a career in academic research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10824915
- **Project number:** 1F31EY035165-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIV NEW YORK MORNINGSIDE
- **Principal Investigator:** Katherine Coffin Delgado
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $42,574
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-12-16 → 2026-12-15

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10824915

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10824915, Linking endoplasmic reticulum calcium handling to neuronal function in vivo in the Drosophila visual system (1F31EY035165-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10824915. Licensed CC0.

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