Understanding the visual thalamus and its role in non-image-forming vision
Official title: Cell types, circuitry, and development of the visual ventral thalamus
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11001094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a part of the brain that helps with vision beyond just seeing images, to understand how it affects things like sleep patterns and mood, using mice to explore how different brain cells work together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | December 25, 2023 |
| Project end | December 24, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $43,973 |
| NIH project number | 5F30EY035570-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing mood disorders or circadian rhythm disruptions, particularly those linked to visual processing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to visual processing or those not experiencing mood or circadian rhythm disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the visual thalamus, specifically focusing on the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN), which is involved in non-image-forming vision. By utilizing advanced techniques like single-cell sequencing and proteomics, the study aims to map out the various cell types and their connections within this brain region. This understanding could shed light on how visual information influences circadian rhythms, mood disorders, and other behavioral responses. The research employs experimental manipulation in mouse models to explore these neural circuits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how visual processing affects mood and circadian rhythms, potentially informing treatments for related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on the vLGN is relatively novel, similar approaches in studying other brain regions have shown promising results in understanding sensory processing and its impact on behavior.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stebbins, Katelyn — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Stebbins, Katelyn
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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.