# Mechanism and function of Lef1-mediated hypothalamic neurogenesis.

> **NIH NIH R01** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2020 · $40,955

## Abstract

Project Summary
The genetic and molecular mechanisms that establish innate behaviors across diverse species are largely
unknown. We have discovered an evolutionarily conserved role for Lef1-mediated Wnt signaling in the regulation
of anxiety and in the differentiation of anxiolytic neurons in the zebrafish posterior hypothalamus. However
mechanistic links between Lef1 targets, neurogenesis, and neuronal function in behavior have not yet been
established. We also know that new neurons are continually added to this brain region, but it is not clear whether
they contribute to anxiety-related behavior. This proposal will test the hypothesis that Lef1-mediated target genes
regulate hypothalamic neurogenesis to control anxiety-related behavior throughout life. Three specific aims will
determine which Lef1 targets are required for the formation of anxiolytic neurons, whether those neurons regulate
stress hormone levels through the HPI axis, and whether postembryonic Lef1-dependent neurogenesis can
mediate behavior. Together this work will define a novel mechanism for the regulation of an innate behavior
through neurogenesis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10054036
- **Project number:** 3R01NS082645-07S1
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** RICHARD I DORSKY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $40,955
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2013-03-01 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10054036

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10054036, Mechanism and function of Lef1-mediated hypothalamic neurogenesis. (3R01NS082645-07S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10054036. Licensed CC0.

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