Brain feedback connections that shape vision and attention
Anatomical and functional organization of inter-areal feedback circuits in the visual cortex, and their impact on neuronal responses
This research looks at how feedback connections in the visual brain influence sight and attention for people with autism and attention-deficit disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093451 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use advanced viral and optogenetic tools in primates to label and control specific feedback pathways between visual brain areas. They record how manipulating these neurons changes receptive fields, surround suppression, and attention-related signals in lower-level visual cortex. Previous work showed parallel feedback pathways between areas V2 and V1 and links to neurons tuned to similar visual features. Understanding normal feedback function in primates helps explain how disruptions could contribute to attention problems and autism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who are interested in contributing to research on brain mechanisms and vision could be candidates for future human-focused studies informed by this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment or symptom relief should not expect direct benefit from this basic primate research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these circuits could point toward new ways to diagnose, monitor, or eventually treat visual-attention problems in autism and ADHD.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal studies and prior primate work have provided promising insights, but the use of viral labeling and optogenetic control in primates is still relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Angelucci, Alessandra — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Angelucci, Alessandra
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.