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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
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Monocular Visual Deprivation and Ocular Dominance Plasticity Measurement in the Mouse Primary Visual Cortex
Published on: February 8, 2020
Gene expression patterns in visual cortex during the critical period: synaptic stabilization and reversal by visual
Alvin W Lyckman1, Sam Horng, Catherine A Leamey
1Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. alvin.lyckman@tufts.edu
Summary
During a critical period, gene expression in the visual cortex (V1) changes significantly, impacting synaptic plasticity and ocular dominance. Visual activity strongly influences these gene changes, promoting synaptic stability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Ocular dominance plasticity in the primary visual cortex (V1) is crucial for visual system development.
- This plasticity is highly sensitive to correlated activity between the eyes during a specific postnatal critical period.
- Gene and protein expression mediating synaptic plasticity are likely amplified during this critical period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes and transcriptional changes in mouse V1 during the critical period for ocular dominance plasticity.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity and visual system development.
Main Methods:
- DNA microarray analysis was used to examine gene transcription in mouse V1.
- Samples were collected before, during, and after the critical period.
- Monocular deprivation was employed during the critical period to assess its effect on gene expression.
Main Results:
- 31 genes were upregulated and 22 were downregulated in V1 during the critical period.
- Cardiac troponin C (upregulated) and synCAM (downregulated) were the highest-ranked genes, both involved in actin-based functions.
- Key represented functions included actin-binding, G protein signaling, transcription, and myelination.
- Monocular deprivation reversed the expression of most critical period genes.
Conclusions:
- Synaptic stability appears to be a primary driver of gene expression during the critical period.
- Changes in visual activity induce homeostatic restoration of synaptic stability.
- The identified genes provide insights into the molecular basis of critical period plasticity.
