Understanding how visual signals are processed in the brain
Official title: Studies of direct and transthalamic pathways in visual cortex
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10898518 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the pulvinar helps send visual information to different areas, using mice and monkeys to see how two different pathways work, and it aims to learn more about how we all process what we see.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $741,499 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036242-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898518 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with visual processing disorders or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of vision.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to visual processing or those who do not have access to the research location may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the pulvinar, a complex brain structure involved in visual processing, to understand how it communicates visual signals between different areas of the brain. By using mouse and monkey models, the study examines two pathways—the direct and transthalamic pathways—through which visual information is transmitted. Researchers will employ optogenetic techniques to selectively inhibit these pathways and observe the effects on visual tasks and neuron responses. The goal is to uncover the distinct functions of these pathways and how they may differ across species, providing insights into visual processing in mammals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of visual processing, potentially leading to improved treatments for visual disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of comparing direct and transthalamic pathways in visual processing is novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding brain communication pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Usrey, W Martin — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Usrey, W Martin
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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.