Understanding how brain chemicals affect visual processing in mice
Official title: Dissecting cholinergic modulation of interneurons underlying state-dependent processing in mouse visual cortex
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10894644 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a brain chemical called acetylcholine affects how mice see and process visual information, especially when they're moving or alert, to help us understand more about how our brains work during different activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32EY034013-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894644 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with cognitive impairments, particularly those related to Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with visual processing disorders unrelated to cholinergic modulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's cholinergic system, particularly the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, influences the processing of visual information in the mouse visual cortex. By examining different types of inhibitory interneurons, the study aims to clarify how these cells contribute to changes in visual responses based on behavioral states like movement or arousal. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques, including 2-photon imaging, to observe the interactions between acetylcholine and specific interneuron classes, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of visual discrimination. This work could enhance our understanding of cognitive processes and their modulation by neuromodulators.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how visual processing is affected in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, potentially informing therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of dissecting cholinergic modulation in this context may be novel, previous research has shown success in understanding the role of neurotransmitters in cognitive processes.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cammarata, Celine — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Cammarata, Celine
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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.