Understanding how brain hemispheres communicate for eye movements
Optogenetic dissection of inter-hemispheric frontal eye field circuits for eye movements
This study is looking at how the two sides of your brain work together to help you move your eyes, which is important for seeing and coordinating movements, and it could help people with vision problems like amblyopia or epilepsy by finding new ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10707079 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the two hemispheres of the brain work together to control eye movements, which is crucial for visual perception and coordination. By using advanced optogenetic techniques, researchers aim to map the neuronal connections between the hemispheres and understand their roles in visual-motor disorders like amblyopia and epilepsy. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how these brain circuits function and how they can be targeted for treatment. The study involves recording brain activity while manipulating these connections to see how they affect eye movement.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with visual-motor disorders such as amblyopia, strabismus, or epilepsy.
Not a fit: Patients without visual-motor disorders or those who do not have issues with eye movement coordination may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for visual-motor disorders that affect eye movement and perception.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using optogenetic techniques to study brain circuits, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mayo, Joseph Patrick — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Mayo, Joseph Patrick
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.