Objetivo A formidable challenge for the visual system is to encode the statistical variability in the visual environment. For example, the vital statistics of contrast and luminance vary by several orders of magnitude within an image and during global changes in overall viewing conditions. The range of visual signals far exceeds the dynamic range of neurons in the retina.Traditional views dictate that during the visual contrast processing the retinal circuitry undergoes adaptation and thereby extends its dynamic range. This is intuitively appealing. However, recent studies have demonstrated an opposite form of plasticity – facilitation. Both adaptation and facilitation originate at the synaptic terminals of the bipolar cells. A combination of adaptation and facilitation might help to detect both an increase and decrease in contrast. However, the mechanisms underlying such plasticity and subsequent neural coding are largely unknown and my work will focus on studying these questions.This requires studying the properties of synaptic terminals of bipolar cells and that of amacrine cells which provide lateral inhibitory input. I shall use multiphoton microscopy to do in vivo measurements in the retina of zebrafish larvae. I shall monitor calcium signals and exo-and endocytosis of neurotransmitter vesicles at the synaptic terminals of both bipolar and amacrine cells under spatio-temporally different contrast illuminations. The calcium signals and vesicle activity will be simultaneously monitored using novel genetically encoded reporters of varying spectral properties. Secondly, I shall study the role of various neurotransmitters in modulating synaptic activity. Finally, I shall study how opposite forms of plasticity segregate into different layers of the retinal circuitry.Similar challenges for neural coding exist in other sensory systems. The insights gained from studying synaptic bases of neural coding in the retina will improve our general understanding of neural function. Ámbito científico natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkaline earth metalsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineophthalmology Programa(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Tema(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Convocatoria de propuestas FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria Régimen de financiación MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinador THE UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX Aportación de la UE € 231 283,20 Dirección SUSSEX HOUSE FALMER BN1 9RH Brighton Reino Unido Ver en el mapa Región South East (England) Surrey, East and West Sussex Brighton and Hove Tipo de actividad Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contacto administrativo Julian Golland (Mr.) Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Coste total Sin datos Participantes (1) Ordenar alfabéticamente Ordenar por aportación de la UE Ampliar todo Contraer todo MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL La participación finalizó Reino Unido Aportación de la UE Sin datos Dirección 20 Park Crescent W1B 1AL LONDON Ver en el mapa Tipo de actividad Public bodies (excluding Research Organisations and Secondary or Higher Education Establishments) Contacto administrativo Samantha Skehel (Mrs.) Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Coste total Sin datos
