# Principles of presynaptic networks for single layer 2/3 neurons in ferret visual cortex

> **NIH NIH K99** · MAX PLANCK FLORIDA CORPORATION · 2020 · $107,891

## Abstract

Principles of presynaptic networks for single layer 2/3 neurons in ferret visual cortex
Single neurons in neocortical circuits are driven by presynaptic networks composed of excitatory
and inhibitory neurons. Each neuron’s population of presynaptic partners determines how
incoming information is processed. A longstanding view of cortical circuits is that a majority of
synaptic inputs originate from local networks through horizontal (recurrent) connections.
However, the mechanisms by which recurrent networks shape the activity of cortical neurons is
largely unknown. Additionally, synaptic and cellular mechanisms proposed by theoretical models
rely on studies of the rodent visual cortex, which is increasingly shown to differ from that of
carnivores and primates in organization and function. The proposed career development plan
aims to address these problems by mapping presynaptic excitatory and inhibitory cells of single
layer 2/3 neurons and dissecting how they act to selectively modulate neural activity in ferret V1
in vivo. This proposal uses a novel combination of advanced optical techniques and
electrophysiology. The candidate has a deep background in in vivo physiology and optical imaging
in a wide variety of mammalian species. The candidate proposes to receive training in state-of-
the-art multiphoton holographic optogenetics and the use of novel molecular tools. The candidate
will also receive guidance from mentors and advisors on professional development. This training
will establish the necessary skills for a successful independent research career studying the role
of presynaptic networks in fundamental cortical operations in a non-murine model system. The
candidate will carry out the mentored phased under Dr. David Fitzpatrick, a world-prominent
expert on the early visual-system and cortical processing of carnivores and primates. The
candidate will be co-mentored by Dr. Hillel Adesnik, who is a pioneer in multiphoton holographic
optogenetics and developed techniques the candidate proposes to use. Additional advising from
Dr. Kristina Nielsen and Dr. Krishnan Padmanabhan will provide guidance in professional
development and the transition to an academic position. MPFI will provide an excellent research
environment, with abundant resources, technical support, and intellectual discussions with
prominent scientists to help ensure successful completion of the proposed research and transition
to independence. The candidate’s long-term aspirations are to build an innovative and
multidisciplinary research program to establish fundamental principles of cortical circuits,
ultimately providing a scaffold for understanding disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism,
which show profound impairments in the processing of sensory signals.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9869193
- **Project number:** 1K99EY031137-01
- **Recipient organization:** MAX PLANCK FLORIDA CORPORATION
- **Principal Investigator:** Benjamin Kyle Scholl
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $107,891
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-02-01 → 2022-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9869193

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9869193, Principles of presynaptic networks for single layer 2/3 neurons in ferret visual cortex (1K99EY031137-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9869193. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*