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Decoding the Molecular Logic of Visual Map Formation in Drosophila

Award Number: K99EY038936
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2028

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Decoding the Molecular Logic of Visual Map Formation in Drosophila - Project Summary: Precise mapping of sensory neural circuits is fundamental to perception and behavior. In the visual system, retinotopy—an orderly mapping of retinal inputs onto target brain regions—preserves spatial relationships and enables computation of motion, depth, and object localization. While the overall topology of visual maps is well understood, the molecular and developmental mechanisms by which such precise spatial wiring is established and propagated across higher-order brain regions remain unclear. This project aims to uncover how spatial codes in developing photoreceptors guide topographic connectivity in downstream neural circuits and ultimately shape visually guided behavior. Using the Drosophila visual system as a model, this research relies on its well-characterized anatomy, powerful genetic toolkit, and high-resolution imaging potential to address these questions in vivo. Aim 1 examines how the temporal order of photoreceptor neurogenesis contributes to precise spatial targeting in early visual circuits. Aim 2 investigates how dorsal-ventral positional cues and planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling define region-specific connectivity. Aim 3 proposes to explore how retinotopic organization is interpreted by higher-order visual neurons, and how disruptions in this logic alter visually guided behavior. This K99/R00 proposal integrates training in advanced single-cell transcriptomics, microscopy, circuit mapping tools (e.g., trans-Tango, GRASP), and behavioral analysis, along with structured career development in scientific writing, mentorship, and leadership. The research will provide mechanistic insights into how spatial information is encoded and transmitted during circuit assembly, a fundamental problem in neurodevelopment with relevance to disorders of neural connectivity such as amblyopia, autism, and schizophrenia.


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 = $140,184 )
2026	2026	NEW YORK UNIVERSITY	70 WASHINGTON SQ S FL 11	NEW YORK	NY	10012	NEW YORK	USA	Vision Research	000	1	6/23/2026	NEW	$140,184
														Subtotal = $140,184

Grand Total All Awards = $140,184

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Decoding the Molecular Logic of Visual Map Formation in Drosophila

Award Number: K99EY038936

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2028

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