# Genetic access to cortical cell types with epigenetic assays and high-throughput, low-cost enhancer screening

> **NIH NIH UG3** · SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES · 2020 · $789,827

## Abstract

Project Summary
The function of the nervous system is dependent on complex interactions between networks of neurons
composed of multiple neuron types. Understanding how these networks function both in health and disease is
dependent on understanding the precise connectivity between specific neuron types and their functional
interactions in the intact brain. It is therefore apparent that, in order to have an adequate understanding of the
nervous system, it is necessary to have detailed descriptions of neuronal connectivity with the same level of
precision at which these systems operate and to selectively manipulate and measure the activity of specific cell
types in the context of the normal functioning network. Such studies would be greatly facilitated by the ability to
target gene expression to specific cell types in the context of AAV vectors. The research proposed here is
aimed at developing and using a novel high throughput strategy and PCR-activated cell sorting for
identification of cell type specific enhancer elements. The approach used will identify enhancers that can drive
transgene expression in specific types of cortical neurons. Further studies will valdiate these enhancers in a
real-use context for ability to facilitate imaging with genetically-encoded calcium indicators and to facilitate
optogenetic inactivation. These reagents will allow future studies testing the functional contributions of specific
inhibitory neuron types to perception,cognition and behavior.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10025622
- **Project number:** 1UG3MH123394-01
- **Recipient organization:** SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
- **Principal Investigator:** EDWARD M CALLAWAY
- **Activity code:** UG3 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $789,827
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-09-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10025622

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10025622, Genetic access to cortical cell types with epigenetic assays and high-throughput, low-cost enhancer screening (1UG3MH123394-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10025622. Licensed CC0.

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