Yidong Li

I am studying the role of neuronal activity in the formation and plasticity of retinotopic maps. We are asking how specific activity patterns affect the development of retinotopic maps using a combination of optical and genetic tools, including novel optogenetic techniques that have enabled optical activation and silencing of neuronal activity of specific cell types in specific spatiotemporal patterns. These studies will hopefully bring some new insight into the fundamental principles governing the development of the visual system, as well as provide some references to potential therapies for retinal degenerative diseases. I am also interested in cellular and network mechanisms underlying the generation of spontaneous rhythmic activities (retinal waves) in the developing retina, and the functional role of retinal glial cells (Müller cells and astrocytes) participating in retinal wave propagation and generation during the development of mammalian retina.