# Viral Module

> **NIH NIH P30** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2024 · $175,696

## Abstract

Project Summary
Virus-based technology has emerged as a powerful tool in neuroscience and vision research,
enabling optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulation of brain activity, circuit tracing, and gain- and
loss-of-function genetic modifications in the retina and brain. Electrophysiology- and imaging-focused
laboratories, however, often lack the expertise and resources needed to effectively employ these
molecular biology approaches, and standardized methods can enhance the productivity of even
experienced molecular neuroscience groups. The Viral Module was created to fill this need by
generating, maintaining, and designing high-quality viruses for vision applications. Led by Dr. Zhigang
He, and a staff of experienced molecular biologists, the Viral module will serve as a repository for the
proper storage, maintenance, handling, and distribution of pre-made viral vectors and also assist in
the design, optimization, and generation of custom viral constructs. Despite its recent addition to the
Vision Core, the Viral Module has already been utilized by a significant number of investigators
working in both rodents and primates and constitutes an essential resource for the wider Harvard
vision research community.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10916574
- **Project number:** 5P30EY012196-27
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** ZHIGANG HE
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $175,696
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1998-03-01 → 2028-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10916574

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10916574, Viral Module (5P30EY012196-27). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10916574. Licensed CC0.

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