# Mapping Neural Connectivity in Zebrafish Larvae Using a Photoconvertible Protein

> **NIH NIH SC2** · CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY FULLERTON · 2020 · $110,985

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Creation of whole-brain functional connectomes will facilitate a holistic understanding of memory
formation, which is a major goal of modern neuroscience. Information gained from understanding the functional
connections between neurons and the underlying plasticity between connections can be used to understand
and treat neurological and mental disorders.
 In vivo whole-brain mapping with current technologies requires advantageous biological attributes in
combination with a substantial molecular toolbox. Two invertebrate model organisms have these properties: D.
melanogaster and C. elegans. However, zebrafish (Danio rerio) is the only vertebrate species with this
capacity. The ability to form a functional connectome with larval zebrafish affords distinct advantages to
understanding memory formation or pinpointing aberrant neural circuits in animal models of human disorders.
Further, rapid development, small size, and high fecundity of zebrafish makes them an ideal organism for high-
throughput screening, a useful mechanism to discover novel therapeutics for these disorders.
 The project will attempt to create a new tool to rapidly form in vivo whole-brain connectomes in freely
moving fish with the long-term goal of understanding brain function and dysfunction at a circuit-level. Towards
this goal, we will create transgenic fish that express a photoconvertible protein under the control of activity-
dependent promoters. We will then determine the experimental procedures for each line of transgenic fish that
most efficiently and accurately reflect the neural activity under investigation and minimize signals related to
nonspecific neural activity. After we have defined the experimental potential and constraints of our transgenic
lines of fish, we will seek to determine if the recorded neural activity is physiologically valid. To do so, we will
form functional maps of neural activity in response to stimulation of sensory systems with previously defined
neural connections. These experiments should provide the pilot data necessary to begin investigating changes
in functional connectomes due to memory formation in zebrafish models of neurodevelopmental disorders.
 Data from the proposed studies are expected to facilitate the development of effective treatments for
brain diseases and disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, PTSD, schizophrenia and autism.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9855836
- **Project number:** 1SC2GM130485-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY FULLERTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Adam Christopher Roberts
- **Activity code:** SC2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $110,985
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9855836

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9855836, Mapping Neural Connectivity in Zebrafish Larvae Using a Photoconvertible Protein (1SC2GM130485-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9855836. Licensed CC0.

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