The Role of MAPK in the Developing Visual Cortex
Behavior and cognitive function are mediated by precise connections between networks of neurons in the brain. These neuronal networks are shaped by genes and experience. The visual cortex is used as a model system to elucidate how these connections arise and how they are modified by experience. During a developmental critical period, visual deprivation leads to rearrangement of synapses in the visual cortex. Although the molecular mechanisms that control experience-dependent plasticity remain unclear, there is strong evidence suggesting that calcium and cyclic-AMP-dependent pathways that lead to gene transcription are involved. We are interested in the role of specific signaling molecules within this pathway. One such molecule of interest is mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which has been found to be essential for memory and learning. The goal of this project is to further clarify the role of MAPK in visual cortical plasticity. Immunohistochemistry experiments were conducted to observe phospho-MAPK expression within the V1 region of the mouse visual cortex, and to what extent this expression is regulated by visual experience. Furthermore, we examined whether specific neuronal subtypes mediate this plasticity. This was done by observing whether phospho-MAPK is co-expressed with selective markers for inhibitory and excitatory neurons. Ultimately, these experiments will contribute to a better understanding of how plasticity occurs in the developing cerebral cortex.
