Examining Purkinje Cell Modulation of the VOR: An Optogenetic Study

Authors

Ben Davis, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow
D Garcia, Brigham Young University - Provo
B Haack, Brigham Young University - Provo
J Lewis, Brigham Young University - Provo
J Jackson, Brigham Young University - Provo
C Worthington, Brigham Young University - Provo
Trace Stay, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow

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Keywords

Purkinje Cell, Optogenetics, Vestibulo-ocular reflex

Abstract

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is coordinated eye movement to maintain a stable gaze during head rotation. This reflex can be adapted in behavioral training by using repeated head movements and shifting visual stimuli.

Previous research (Kimpo et al., 2014) implicates cerebellar output as critical to VOR adaptation, but it is unclear whether Purkinje cell (PC) output paired with a vestibular or visual stimulus is sufficient for driving reflex adaptation.

We hypothesize that PC output is sufficient for driving gain up behavioral VOR adaptation when paired with peak ipsiversive head movement in mice. Stimuli include a rotating vestibular environment or visual motion cues such as a rotating drum around the mouse. If PC stimulation when combined with one of these two stimuli is sufficient for changing VOR gain, we would see increased long term gain during optogenetic stimulation.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Davis, Ben; Garcia, D; Haack, B; Lewis, J; Jackson, J; Worthington, C; and Stay, Trace, "Examining Purkinje Cell Modulation of the VOR: An Optogenetic Study" (2025). Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025. 47.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/library_studentposters_2025/47

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Neuroscience

University Standing at Time of Publication

Senior

Copyright Use Information

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/