• Project Title: Cerebellar Learning in LTD-Impaired Mice

  • BASIS Advisor: Dr. Murthy

  • Internship Location: Stanford University

  • Onsite Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Raymond

The cerebellum, a brain area central to movement, balance, and coordination, is a learning machine. Through the process of long-term depression (LTD), the cerebellum eliminates neuron connections that produce errors in movement, and this is how the brain learns movements. Previous research shows that mice with LTD impairments learn better than normal; this project seeks to confirm or reject that hypothesis. My research, which will take place at Stanford University, will include training mice to increase eye movements in response to rotational head motion. I will record the eye movements of LTD-impaired mice and compare them with those of wild-type mice. Results from these experiments will improve our understanding of cerebellar learning mechanisms and provide a point for comparison for the mouse equivalent of Fragile X disorder, in which mice have enhanced LTD.