Huizhong W. Tao

Assistant Professor
Department of Cell & Neurobiology
Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute
Keck School of Medicine

Research Topics

  1. development of visual system
  2. functional synaptic circuitry
  3. synaptic plasticity
  4. synapse formation

Research Overview

We are interested in the architecture of visual cortical circuits. To dissect the circuits that consist of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, we will apply in vivo electrophysiology, in particular two-photon imaging guided recording, to target different types of neurons in rodent visual cortex. From the response properties of individual neurons and the pattern of synaptic inputs to these neurons, we will be able to deduce the connectivity rules underlying the construction of cortical circuits. In addition, we will gain insights into how diverse visual processing functions are achieved by the cortical circuits.

We are also interested in how functional visual circuits are established during development. The development of visual system not only depends on molecular and genetic programs, but also can be profoundly influenced by the pattern of neural activities along the visual pathways. Early synaptic connections in the developing brain can undergo substantial remodeling in response to patterned electrical activity of neurons. We will examine how neural activity of various patterns leads to modulations of synaptic connections and shapes the formation of visual circuits. Such studies will provide insights into how abnormal visual experience in early life, such as in the condition of strabismus, can lead to abnormal wiring in the brain, and how we can correct it. Using animal models such as zebrafish and mouse where genetic manipulation of gene functions is available, we will also address how the development of visual circuits is altered under disease conditions.

Selected Publications

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Liu, B.,Li, P., Li, Y., Sun, Y.J., Yanagawa, Y., Obata, K., Zhang, L.I., Tao, H.W. (2009) Visual receptive field structure of cortical inhibitory neurons revealed by two-photon imaging guided recording.  J. Neurosci. 29:10520-10532. -PubMed -Link

Wu, G.K., Arbuckle, R., Liu, B.H., Tao, H.W., Zhang, L.I. (2008) Lateral sharpening of cortical frequency tuning by approximately balanced inhibition. Neuron 58: 132-43.

-PubMed -Link

Liu, Y., Zhang, L.I., Tao, H.W. (2007) Heterosynaptic scaling of developing GABAergic synapses: dependence on glutamatergic input and developmental stage. J. Neurosci. 27: 5301-12. -PubMed -Link

Smear, M.C., Tao, H.W.*, Staub, W., Orger, M.B., Gosse, N.J., Liu, Y., Takahashi, K., Poo, M., and Baier, H. (2007) Vesicular Glutamate Transport at a Central Synapse Limits the Acuity of Visual Perception in Zebrafish. Neuron 53: 65-77. (* equal first author) -PubMed -Link

Tao, H.W., and Poo, M. (2005) Activity-dependent matching of excitatory and inhibitory inputs during refinement of visual receptive fields. Neuron, 45: 829-836. -PubMed

Zou, Y., Engert, F., and Tao, H. W. (2004) The assembly of Neural Circuits. Neuron 43:159-163. -PubMed

Zhou, Q., Tao, H.W., and Poo, M. (2003) Reversal and stabilization of synaptic modifications in a developing visual system. Science 300: 1953-1957. -PubMed -Link

Engert, F., Tao, H.W.*, Zhang, L.I., and Poo MM. (2002) Moving visual stimuli rapidly induce direction sensitivity of developing tectal neurons. Nature 419: 470-475. -PubMed -Link

Tao, H.W., and Poo, M. (2001) Retrograde signaling at central synapses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 98:11009-11015. -PubMed -Link

Tao, H.W., Zhang, L.I., Engert, F., and Poo M. (2001) Emergence of input specificity of LTP during development of retinotectal connections in vivo. Neuron 31: 569-580. -PubMed -Link