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Testing the Central Tenet of Hierarchical Information Processing through Projection Neuron Identification

Award Number: R21EY038434
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2028

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Testing the Central Tenet of Hierarchical Information Processing through Projection Neuron Identification - SUMMARY There is a fundamental gap in our understanding of the neural mechanisms by which the brain recognizes and interprets incoming sensory information like faces. While major theories of object recognition posit hierarchical information-processing as the core mechanism, central components of this theory have never been directly tested. The existence of this conceptual gap constitutes an important problem because, until it is filled, we will not be able to explain object recognition and social perception and the reasons for their impairment in neurodevelopmental disorders. The experimental model system is a network of interconnected face areas, each with a unique functional specialization, organized into a hierarchy. Our long-term goal is to understand the neural mechanisms of face recognition, including feed-forward and feedback mechanisms, and build an artificial face- recognition system to explain the neural mechanisms and computational principles of face recognition and its impairments. The overall objective of this proposal is the identification of the neural mechanisms underlying the qualitative transformation of face representations across two levels of the hierarchy. The central hypothesis is that the feed-forward path of face processing consists of a sequence of incremental steps, within and between face areas. The hypothesis is rooted in classical neural concepts and recent computational models of hierarchical object-recognition. The rationale for this proposal is that identification of the functional properties of the neurons transmitting information from the lower (anterior-lateral, AL) to the higher-level area (anterior-medial, AM) and the neurons in the higher-level area receiving these inputs will provide a truly mechanistic understanding of hierarchical information processing in cortex and of object recognition, imposing critical constraints on theories of cortex and vision. The hypothesis will be tested by pursuing two specific aims: 1) Determine axonal conduction times and response latencies of AM-projecting AL neurons, and 2) Assess face-tuning properties of AM- projecting AL and AL-receiving AM neurons. Functional magnetic resonance imaging will localize face areas, to be targeted for conjoint electrophysiological recordings in one face area and electrical stimulation in the other to identify neurons of these two categories (forward-projecting and recipient) and determine their functional properties during visual stimulus presentation. The approach is innovative methodically by integrating multiple technologies to identify a functionally and anatomically specific cell type and conceptually by testing the central tenet of hierarchical object recognition mechanistically. The proposed research is significant, because it will fill the gap in our understanding of the operations of cortical information-processing hierarchies, foster the development of new computational systems for intelligent information processing, and provide a mechanistic understanding of cortex. The outcomes will advance the understanding of object recognition and social perception mechanisms in general and suggest potential vulnerabilities in face blindness, prosopagnosia, and altered social perception in syndromes like autism spectrum disorders, fragile X, and Williams syndrome.


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 = $466,125 )
2026	2026	ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY	1230 YORK AVE	NEW YORK	NY	10065	NEW YORK	USA	Vision Research	000	1	6/23/2026	NEW	$466,125
														Subtotal = $466,125

Grand Total All Awards = $466,125

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Testing the Central Tenet of Hierarchical Information Processing through Projection Neuron Identification

Award Number: R21EY038434

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2028

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