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Optogenetic Interrogation of the Circadian Clock

Award Number: F31NS096813
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2016
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2018

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Optogenetic Interrogation of the Circadian Clock - ¿ DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This project seeks to increase our understanding of the specific mechanisms used to communicate phase- related information throughout the mammalian master circadian clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Synchronization among the ~20,000 neurons of the SCN is a critical physiological feature, as desynchronization caused by shift work or abnormal light exposure has been linked to disease ranging from mood disorders to cancer. The way in which these SCN neurons communicate with one another to maintain synchronization across daily oscillations and in response to phase-shifting information transmitted from the retina is poorly understood. While complex, the SCN is likely a prime candidate for therapeutic intervention based upon its robustness and adaptability. In order for effective treatments to be developed for the variety of disorders that are linked to circadian disruption, however, an increased understanding of the dynamics of the SCN system is required. This project therefore aims to increase this understanding using optogenetic manipulation of the SCN. This technique allows for the fine manipulation of the firing rate of neurons within the SCN, or in specific cell-type populations of the SCN. In combination with real-time measurements of clock gene expression via bioluminescence in vitro or locomotor behavior in vivo, this manipulation allows for the effect of changes in firing rate frequency to be examined. The project will focus on the question of how light information transmitted to the SCN via the retina is transduced as a signal across the subregions of the SCN- what type of neuropeptides may be involved in this transmission, and what role the duration of firing within each subregion may play in the encoding of circadian behavior. By answering these questions, the possibilities for therapeutic intervention into the disrupted circadian clock will be broadly expanded, as a greater knowledge of the sequence of events and main components of this signal transmission will allow for increased pharmacological manipulation.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = -$2,972 )
2021	2017	VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY, THE	2301 VANDERBILT PL	NASHVILLE	TN	37235	DAVIDSON	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	12/29/2020	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$2,972
														Subtotal = -$2,972

Issue Date FY: 2017 ( Subtotal = $28,240 )
2017	2017	VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY, THE	211 KIRKLAND HALL	NASHVILLE	TN	37240	DAVIDSON	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	4/25/2017	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$28,240
														Subtotal = $28,240

Issue Date FY: 2016 ( Subtotal = $28,240 )
2016	2016	VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, CHILDREN'S REHAB UNIT	1161 21ST AVENUE SOUTH	NASHVILLE	TN	37232	DAVIDSON	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	001	1	3/15/2016	NEW	$28,240
2016	2016	VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, CHILDREN'S REHAB UNIT	1161 21ST AVENUE SOUTH	NASHVILLE	TN	37232	DAVIDSON	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	1	3/15/2016	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $28,240

Grand Total All Awards = $53,508

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Optogenetic Interrogation of the Circadian Clock

Award Number: F31NS096813

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2016

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2018

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