Roberto Yip Huang Sciences
Investigating impaired local sensory integration within cortical circuits in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder
Scholars Journal
My project focuses on Autism Spectrum Disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social differences and atypical sensory perception. These features are associated with difficulties in integrating sensory information. However, the circuit-level mechanisms underlying sensory integration deficits in ASD remain unknown. Rodent ASD models allow us to investigate how ASD related genetic disruptions affect cortical circuit communication related to sensory perception. Although most ASD mouse models perform normally on basic sensory detection tasks, it is unclear how deficits emerge when spatiotemporal integration is required. I will use a psychometric whisker-based decision task that varies stimulus strength and temporal jitter to assess integration capabilities. My project will improve our understanding of tactile integration deficits in ASD and provide a way for assessing new therapeutic techniques in the future.
Major: Molecular & Cell Biology and Spanish and Portuguese
Mentor: Dan Feldman