Dissecting the neural circuits for visual perceptual learning (360G-Wellcome-211258_Z_18_Z)
Visual perceptual learning (VPL) is an improvement of performance of a visually guided task as a result of visual experience. However, it is not well understood whether improvements are due to changes in lower-level visual or in higher-level association brain areas, and whether improvements can transfer to untrained visual features and tasks. Here I propose to dissect the neural circuits of VPL in mice and test the theory that VPL consists of both: 1) enhanced task-independent encoding of sensory features in low-level areas in cells with selective feature-preference, generalising poorly to different features. 2) enhancement of task-relevant features, initially in higher level areas with broad feature-preference, generalising to a broader range of features. Mice can quickly learn a visual discrimination task, which I will combine with cell-type specific 2-photon calcium imaging and optogenetic manipulation of neural activity. I hypothesize that PV interneurons are necessary for task-independent learning, while SOM interneurons can gate feedback from high-level areas to boost task-relevant features. I will address the following specific aims: 1) identify the changes during VPL in visual and association areas during learning 2) determine the role of task-engagement in VPL 3) determine how VPL generalises to untrained or previously irrelevant features.
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Grant Details
Amount Awarded | 1317544 |
Applicant Surname | Poort |
Approval Committee | Sir Henry Dale Fellowship Interview Committee |
Award Date | 2018-06-06T00:00:00+00:00 |
Financial Year | 2017/18 |
Grant Programme: Title | Sir Henry Dale Fellowship |
Internal ID | 211258/Z/18/Z |
Lead Applicant | Dr Jasper Poort |
Partnership Name | Royal Society/Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellowship |
Partnership Value | 1317544 |
Planned Dates: End Date | 2025-05-01T00:00:00+00:00 |
Planned Dates: Start Date | 2019-01-01T00:00:00+00:00 |
Recipient Org: Country | United Kingdom |
Region | East of England |
Sponsor(s) | Prof Mark Johnson |