Investigating the Impact of Blindness-Induced Brain Plasticity on Optogenetic Vision Restora-tion (B06)

• Subject Area: Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology ; Experimental Models for the Understanding of Nervous System Diseases
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 528760423

Optogenetic retinal therapy offers a promising solution for restoring vision in the blind, regardless of the type of retinopathy. However, early-onset blindness causes significant brain reorganization, potentially impacting therapy outcomes. Using whole-brain functional ultrasound imaging, we will characterize blindness-induced plasticity in early and late onset models. Utilizing an opsin activatable at normal light levels and naturalistic stimuli, we will then assess how these brain changes influence visual responses post-treatment. This re-search will provide fundamental knowledge on brain plasticity at the whole-brain level and help optimize future vision restoration therapies.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1690: Disease Mechanisms and Functional Restoration of Sensory and Motor Systems
• Applicant Institution: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Emilie Macé