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A 5-HTergic DRN vCA1 circuit and Alzheimer's disease

Award Number: R00AG078903
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/15/2023
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2028

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A 5-HTergic DRN vCA1 circuit and Alzheimer's disease - PROJECT SUMMARY Despite the tremendous efforts in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research, we have not made much progress in understanding the pathophysiology of AD or inhibiting/correcting AD-related behavioral symptoms. The recent FDA-approved aducanumab demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing amyloid β (Aβ). Still, it showed a limited effect in improving AD-related memory impairments. The specific neural circuits that mediate these cognitive processes but are altered progressively in the AD brains may serve as a treatment target after the removal of Aβ plaques. In my previous studies, I demonstrated that dorsal Raphe nucleus (DRN) serotonin (5- HT) neurons provide monosynaptic inputs to the hippocampal ventral CA1 (vCA1). Further, genetic ablation of 5-HT synthesis selectively in these vCA1-projecting DRN neurons impaired spatial memory in young mice. In addition, genetic deletion of the 5-HT 2C receptor (5-HT2CR) in the vCA1 led to spatial memory deficits in young mice. I also observed that lorcaserin, a selective agonist of 5-HT2CR, can ameliorate spatial memory deficits in a 6-month-old knock-in AD mouse model (APPNL-G-F), associated with restoration of synaptic plasticity in vCA1 neurons. Together, I developed a hypothesis that a 5-HTergic DRN to vCA1 circuit regulates spatial memory via 5-HT2CR, a therapeutic target for memory symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease. The K99 phase will focus on the upstream node of this circuit, the vCA1-projecting 5-HT neurons. Fiber photometry experiments will be used to monitor the real-time activity of these vCA1-projecting 5-HT neurons, as well as 5-HT release in the vCA1, corresponding to memory acquisition and retrieval behaviors. The intersectional retrograde chemogenetic approach will be used to further test whether inhibition of the vCA1-projecting 5-HT neurons would inhibit memory function and whether activating these neurons would rescue memory impairments in APPNL-G-F mice and aged mice. During the R00 phase, I will utilize the techniques and the problem-solving experience I acquire from the K99 phase to test the functional significance of the downstream 5-HT2CR-expressing vCA1 neurons. I will use fiber photometry to monitor the activity of 5-HT2CR-expressing vCA1 neurons during the memory test and will use the chemogenetic approach to assess the functional relevance of these neurons in memory function. In addition, I will also test the combination treatment of Aβ-lowering (aducanumab) and 5-HT2CR agonism (lorcaserin) in APPNL-G-F mice and aged mice. The proposed studies will advance our knowledge of the circuitry mechanisms underlying memory function and evaluate the possibility of 5-HT2CR agonism as a novel therapeutic target for AD in combination with Aβ-reducing medications. In addition, the K99 phase will provide an ideal training opportunity to equip me with essential techniques, knowledge, and problem-solving skills. These will prepare me for the R00 phase of research and an independent research career focusing on circuitry mechanisms of different behaviors.


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: 2025 ( Subtotal = $243,987 )
2025	2025	RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, THE	750 E ADAMS ST	SYRACUSE	NY	13210	ONONDAGA	USA	Aging Research	000	3	7/17/2025	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$243,987
														Subtotal = $243,987

Grand Total All Awards = $243,987

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A 5-HTergic DRN vCA1 circuit and Alzheimer's disease

Award Number: R00AG078903

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/15/2023

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2028

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