# A genetic approach to elucidate the role of NMDA in the development and function of horizontal connections in ferret visual cortex

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2024 · $195,000

## Abstract

Project Summary
The goal of this exploratory proposal is to deliver and express genetic material in the ferret model system early
in development. Our strategy is based on an existing method developed in mouse for the rapid and spatially
localized expression of DNA plasmids in postmitotic cells, a technique termed ‘iontoporation’. We aim to
express CRISPR/Cas9 into ferret primary visual cortex (V1) to manipulate the expression of specific genes
critical for the development and function of visual circuitry. Ferret is an ideal model system, as they are born
relatively immature and visual circuit development is well-characterized. In this application, we propose to
optimize and validate iontoporation in ferret to knockdown the expression of N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid
receptors (NMDARs) to elucidate their functional role in the formation and function of V1 circuitry. We will
validate the technique in vitro and in vivo, and start obtaining preliminary data for a collaborative R01, on the
role of NMDARs in the development and function of local and long-range (between columns) horizontal
connections in layers 2-3 of ferret V1. Successful development of this approach will open the door to genetic
manipulation in a higher mammal with cortical columnar organization of the neocortex similar to primates and
humans. It will also allow the development of genetic models of brain pathologies such as Schizophrenia.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11068309
- **Project number:** 7R21EY034992-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Benjamin Kyle Scholl
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $195,000
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2023-05-01 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11068309

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11068309, A genetic approach to elucidate the role of NMDA in the development and function of horizontal connections in ferret visual cortex (7R21EY034992-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11068309. Licensed CC0.

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