Friday, July 18, 2025 7/18/2025

Astrocyte Regulation of Dendritic Spines in Vivo

Award Number: K01MH097957
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/01/2013
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2016

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Astrocyte Regulation of Dendritic Spines in Vivo - DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the brain. Historically, astrocytes were thought to act primarily as support cells to neurons. However increasing evidence indicates that astrocytes actively participate in brain function in a variety o ways, from serving as neural stem cells in the adult, to regulating synaptic formation and activity. In addition, it has been shown that multiple neurological disorders that have classically been considered to be a result of neuronal dysfunction, such as Rett Syndrome, Fragile X, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, have astrocytic components. A more complete understanding of the mechanisms regulating neural circuitry and connectivity is critical to developing therapies for treating neurological disorders, and it is becoming increasingly clear that it will be necessary to incorporate the role of astrocytes. This study proposes to examine the role of astrocytes in mediating the dynamics of dendritic spines in the neocortex of adult mice. Spines are the primary site of postsynaptic communication between neurons, and a subset of spines in the adult brain undergo continued turnover. The continual reorganization of spines facilitates changes in synaptic connectivity, and this plasticity is thought to be the structural basis of learning and memory, as well as recovery after brain injury. Astrocytes actively monitor and respond to synaptic activity, and their processes ensheath dendritic spines, pointing to a direct role for astrocytes in regulating spine dynamics. In this study, a subset of astrocytes expressing the transcription factor, Gli1, will be marked and identified in the cortex, and the ultrastructura relationships between Gli1-expressing astrocytes and spines will be examined. Gli1-expressing astrocytes will then be selectively targeted for ablation, and spines will be repeatedly imaged in vivo using 2 photon laser scanning microscopy to investigate whether basal and activity-dependent spine turnover are impaired following astrocyte ablation. Gli1 expression is stimulated upon exposure to high levels of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. In order to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying astrocyte-mediated regulation of spine dynamics, Shh activity will be disrupted selectively in astrocytes, and basal and activity-dependent spine dynamics will be examined. This study will provide novel insight into the role of astrocytes in regulating structural plasticity, and further, will reveal the functional significance of Shh signaing in astrocytes. )


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: 2017 ( Subtotal = -$50,934 )
2017	2015	DREXEL UNIVERSITY	3141 CHESTNUT ST	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	4	11/14/2016	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$50,934
														Subtotal = -$50,934

Issue Date FY: 2015 ( Subtotal = $136,201 )
2015	2015	DREXEL UNIVERSITY	3201 ARCH STREET, SUITE 100	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	4	6/9/2015	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$136,201
														Subtotal = $136,201

Issue Date FY: 2014 ( Subtotal = $136,201 )
2014	2014	DREXEL UNIVERSITY	3201 ARCH STREET, SUITE 100	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Mental Health Research Career/Scientist Development Awards	000	3	6/17/2014	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$136,201
														Subtotal = $136,201

Issue Date FY: 2013 ( Subtotal = $136,201 )
2013	2013	DREXEL UNIVERSITY	3201 ARCH STREET, SUITE 100	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19104	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Mental Health Research Career/Scientist Development Awards	001	2	6/11/2013	CHANGE OF GRANTEE / TRAINING INSTITUTION / AWARDING INSTITUTION	$136,201
2013	2012	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SANTA CRUZ	1156 HIGH STREET	SANTA CRUZ	CA	95064	SANTA CRUZ	USA	Mental Health Research Career/Scientist Development Awards	000	1	6/11/2013	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $136,201

Issue Date FY: 2012 ( Subtotal = $136,201 )
2012	2012	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SANTA CRUZ	1156 HIGH STREET	SANTA CRUZ	CA	95064	SANTA CRUZ	USA	Mental Health Research Career/Scientist Development Awards	000	1	7/25/2012	NEW	$136,201
														Subtotal = $136,201

Grand Total All Awards = $493,870

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Astrocyte Regulation of Dendritic Spines in Vivo

Award Number: K01MH097957

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/01/2013

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2016

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer