Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System
NEI - National Eye Institute
About This Grant
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.
Grant Summary
Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System is a NEI - National Eye Institute grant providing up to $135K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2028-03-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $135K
2028-03-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System from NEI - National Eye Institute, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NEI - National Eye Institute before the deadline.
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Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System?
Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System is offered by NEI - National Eye Institute and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System provide?
Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System provides up to $135K per award from NEI - National Eye Institute. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System deadline?
Applications for Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System are due 2028-03-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NEI - National Eye Institute, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System?
To apply for Neuronal and Vascular Interactions in the Visual System, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NEI - National Eye Institute.