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Interneurons differentially regulate discrete pathways from ventral hippocampus

Award Number: R00MH121355
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2021
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2025

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Interneurons differentially regulate discrete pathways from ventral hippocampus - Hippocampal microcircuits are comprised of excitatory pyramidal cells, which integrate information and innervate downstream brain regions, and inhibitory interneurons, which function locally to regulate pyramidal cell activity and synchronicity. In the ventral hippocampus (vHipp), microcircuit dysfunction has been associated with a variety of neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, and psychiatric illnesses. Previous work has demonstrated that vHipp pyramidal cells differentially regulate schizophrenia-like behaviors depending on their downstream target. Similarly, unique classes of inhibitory interneurons (namely parvalbumin (PV)-positive and somatostatin(SST)-positive) also differently regulate schizophrenia-like behaviors. Therefore, the hypothesis of the current proposal is that PV- and SST-positive interneurons differentially regulate the function of ventral hippocampus pyramidal cells depending on their projection target. In the first aim, mammalian reconstitution across synaptic partners (mGRASP) will be used to test the hypothesis that PV- and SST-positive interneurons differentially innervate vHipp pyramidal cells depending on their target (i.e. the NAc or mPFC). In the second aim, fiber photometry, in vivo electrophysiology, and optogenetics will be used to test the functional regulation of NAc vs mPFC projecting vHipp neurons by PV- and SST-positive interneurons. Aim 3 will determine if microcircuit anatomy and function are altered by chronic stress, a predisposing factor for many neurological disorders. In line with the goals of the BRAIN Initiative, the results will provide insight into basic principles of neural circuit function and may lead to new strategies for the treatment and prevention of devastating neurological disorders. My long-term goal is to become an independent scientist that studies the neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders so that new and more effective treatments can be developed. The research plan described above will be supplemented by a career development plan that will allow me to gain the skills necessary to achieve this goal. Specifically, I have assembled a team of mentors from both in and outside of my institution to provide scientific training and career guidance. Further, I will attend local and national conferences, workshops, and meetings to enhance my training and ensure that I gain the skills requisite of an independent investigator. Together, this award will provide me with scientific training and career development opportunities, and importantly it will allow me to establish my own, independent line of research, which will focus on the effect of chronic stress on vHipp microcircuits.


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: 2026 ( Subtotal = -$4,026 )
2026	2023	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN	110 INNER CAMPUS DR	AUSTIN	TX	78712	TRAVIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	5	11/21/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$4,026
														Subtotal = -$4,026

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $326,578 )
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN	110 INNER CAMPUS DR	AUSTIN	TX	78712	TRAVIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	4	2/16/2023	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$77,578
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN	110 INNER CAMPUS DR	AUSTIN	TX	78712	TRAVIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	001	5	5/25/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$249,000
														Subtotal = $326,578

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $253,026 )
2022	2022	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN	110 INNER CAMPUS DR	AUSTIN	TX	78712	TRAVIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	001	4	6/3/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$249,000
2022	2021	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN	110 INNER CAMPUS DR	AUSTIN	TX	78712	TRAVIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	3	2/22/2022	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$4,026
														Subtotal = $253,026

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $249,000 )
2021	2021	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN	110 INNER CAMPUS DR MN 13	AUSTIN	TX	78712	TRAVIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	001	3	9/16/2021	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$0
2021	2021	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN	110 INNER CAMPUS DR MN 13	AUSTIN	TX	78712	TRAVIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	3	6/17/2021	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$249,000
														Subtotal = $249,000

Grand Total All Awards = $824,578

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Interneurons differentially regulate discrete pathways from ventral hippocampus

Award Number: R00MH121355

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

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

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2021

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2025

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