Killam Seminar Series: Jennifer Hoy (Virtual)
The Killam Seminar Series presents: "Development of active vision in the mouse"
Jennifer Hoy, Assistant Professor, Biology, University of Nevada
Abstract: Despite decades of research into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the development of the mouse visual system, we understand comparatively little about how mice actively process visual stimuli at key stages of development. I will discuss our work to quantify the features of visual objects that mice detect and respond to when freely moving in the context of natural prey capture behavior at several key stages of development. Further, I will describe a novel circuit mechanism underlying a striking developmental difference in the motivation to pursue live prey and respond to prey-like visual objects in adolescent mice compared to adults and younger juveniles.
Bio: Dr. Hoy's work seeks to identify the neural circuit basis of prey-capture behavior in the mouse as part of the broader goal to understand how vision guides action in the mammalian brain. By identifying and studying the circuits required for this natural behavior, we aim to address our long term goal to determine how molecular-developmental processes shape sensory system function and behavior throughout life. In addition, the lab also takes a comparative approach in studying this ubiquitous behavior, contrasting their findings with studies of visually-guided foraging behaviors and visual search in other species. Ultimately this will allow them to identify highly conserved neurodevelopmental mechanisms that underlie basic visual system function from mice to humans.
In pursuit of their goals, they employ diverse techniques. Molecular biology, extracellular electrophysiology, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and quantitative behavior are used routinely to interrogate visual system structure and function in the mouse and identify the mechanisms that underlie visual perception.
While this work will most imminently enhance our understanding of how our visual system translates stimulus into action, it may also ultimately contribute to our understanding of selective attention, visual search behaviors, decision making, and, how and when organisms assign emotional salience to environmental stimuli. Understanding these processes have significant implications for our ability to address pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit and hyperactive disorder (ADHD), addiction and anxiety.
**This lecture will be held virtually on zoom.
The lecture can also be watched on Vimeo.
Supported by the generosity of the Killam Trusts, the MNI's Killam Seminar Series invites outstanding guest speakers whose research is of interest to the scientific community at the MNI and McGill University.
