The Development of the RGC Projectome

Project Summary During embryogenesis, retinal ganglia cells (RGCs) from both eyes grow axons towards the brain to establish proper vision. Disruptions in this process can lead to permanent visual defects. Despite its importance, we lack comprehensive models describing how 100,000’s of RGC axons faithfully grow in the proper direction. Most current approaches sample few (<1%) of RGCs and little of the surrounding cellular milieu. We propose to address this gap by leveraging advances in large volume serial electron microscopy (vEM) connectomics and genetic labeling techniques to produce nanoscale 3D maps of how every individual RGC axon develops embryonically from optic nerve to tract during and their resulting adult organization. We will label functional subgroups of RGCs to test hypotheses functionally similar axons travel and develop together. This project will generate unprecedented data on the formation of an critical component of the early visual system, laying the groundwork for targeted interventions aimed at preventing or reversing developmental circuit abnormalities or damage.