# Mechanisms underlying orientation selectivity in the mature mouse retina

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 2020 · $32,860

## Abstract

Project Summary
Orientation selectivity, a fundamental feature observed throughout the early visual system, is first
computed in the retina by orientation selective ganglion cells (OSGCs). Recent work has reported
diverse mechanisms underlying On and Off OSGCs, yet less is known about the On-Off type. My
preliminary calcium imaging data suggests that On-Off OSGCs are a major OSGC subtype in the
mouse retina and they are sensitive to GABAA receptor antagonists. This proposal aims to
determine the synaptic mechanisms underlying the orientation selectivity of On-Off OSGCs in the
mouse retina and their central projection patterns. The lack of molecular markers for OSGCs has
limited a mechanistic understand of orientation selectivity in the mammalian retina. In Aim 1, we
will perform calcium imaging of RGCs to screen for On-Off OSGCs and target them for single-cell
recordings. Additionally, we will use pharmacology and α-subunit specific manipulations of GABAA
receptors on RGCs to determine the involvement of specific synapses in orientation selectivity. In
Aim 2, we will identify the projection patterns of On-Off OSGCs to dorsal LGN using viral
retrograde tracers and transgenic labeling. Learning to perform whole-cell patch-clamp recordings
and retrograde tracer injections are major training goals of this grant. Results from this work will
yield a mechanistic understanding of retinal orientation selectivity and provide a link between this
retinal feature selectivity and higher visual processing in the thalamocortical pathway.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9894639
- **Project number:** 5F31EY029156-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Hector Acaron
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $32,860
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-04-01 → 2020-09-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9894639

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9894639, Mechanisms underlying orientation selectivity in the mature mouse retina (5F31EY029156-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-02 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9894639. Licensed CC0.

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