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Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System

Award Number: K99EY037380
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2028

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Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System - PROJECT SUMMARY Lujing Chen, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist whose ultimate career goal is to investigate neural and vascular interactions in the visual system, with the aim of offering clinical insights to improve treatments of vision loss in related diseases. The proposed research aims to develop powerful platforms to study the mechanisms underlying neurovascular coupling (NVC) and the neural/behavioral alterations under impaired NVC. Candidate: Dr. Chen is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School (HMS). She completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her previous work on the mouse retina has provided her with a solid foundation in neuroscience, particularly in the visual system, while her current training further strengthens her expertise in vascular biology. These experiences have prepared her to conduct the proposed research. The proposed career development plan aims to enhance her trajectory toward becoming an independent investigator with four training goals: 1) Acquire and apply two-photon imaging skills on ex vivo mouse retina. 2) Gain knowledge and skills in ion channel research. 3) Enhance skills of in vivo electrophysiology and behavioral tests for assessing visual function. 4) Develop leadership and other professional skills to be an independent researcher. Mentors/Environment: Dr. Chen has assembled a strong mentoring committee with complementary expertise in the required fields for the proposed research. All mentors have committed to meeting with her monthly and participating in advisory meetings to oversee her progress every six months. Additionally, HMS ensures Dr. Chen has access to professional and career development resources, including professional development courses, writing and editing support for papers and grant applications, etc. Research: NVC plays a critical role in the mammalian central nervous system by regulating blood flow in response to local neural activity, thereby meeting regional energy demands. Compelling evidence links impaired NVC to various ophthalmological diseases, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying NVC remain poorly understood. To address this, Dr. Chen has developed a ex vivo retina preparation that enables in situ electrophysiology and calcium imaging to identify vascular ion channels and receptors involved in NVC (Aims 1&2). Additionally, to determine how impaired NVC affects visual function, she has established an experimental pipeline integrating in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiology in the mouse primary visual cortex, along with behavioral tests, to comprehensively assess visual function changes under impaired NVC (Aim3). The outcomes of this research will provide a foundation for deeper understanding of NVC in the visual system, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets for related ocular diseases. This proposal will also equip Dr. Chen with the necessary training and research experience to become an independent researcher, leading scientific progress in the field of neuronal and vascular interactions in the visual system.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $134,545 )
2026	2026	PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE	25 SHATTUCK ST	BOSTON	MA	02115	SUFFOLK	USA	Vision Research	000	1	4/2/2026	NEW	$134,545
														Subtotal = $134,545

Grand Total All Awards = $134,545

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Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System

Award Number: K99EY037380

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2028

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