# Differential Control of Auditory Cortex by Two Populations of Layer 1 Interneurons

> **NIH NIH R01** · MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY · 2022 · $512,062

## Abstract

Project Summary. The primary auditory cortex (A1) is a central site of convergence for ascending sensory
projections and projections from diverse neuromodulatory regions. These inputs interact in A1 to both influence
moment-to-moment cortical activity and drive long-lasting changes in synaptic connections that may underlie
auditory behavioral learning. Our recent work has revealed that a diverse group of inhibitory interneurons in
cortical layer 1 (L1) has a privileged capacity to integrate tuned sensory input from the auditory thalamus and
neuromodulatory inputs from cholinergic and serotonergic brain regions. These L1 interneurons send spatially-
precise axonal projections to their postsynaptic targets that powerfully control cortical network activity and
plasticity. Our recent results suggest that two distinct classes of L1 interneurons defined by the expression of
either neuron-derived neurotrophic factor (NDNF) or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) may receive differential
inputs and send distinct outputs to their cortical targets. We propose that each L1 interneuron class has a
specialized function in controlling cortical activity and plasticity. However, the mechanisms by which NDNF and
VIP L1 interneuron subtypes are activated and control cortical state and plasticity are not fully understood. To
address this unknown, we will use anatomical, trans-synaptic viral tracing, and electrophysiological approaches
to elucidate the pre and post-synaptic partners of NDNF and VIP L1 interneurons in mouse A1. We will also use
two-photon imaging in behaving mice to determine the in vivo activity and plasticity of NDNF and VIP L1
interneurons during auditory perceptual learning. The results of this research will identify L1 circuit mechanisms
that promote auditory plasticity in adulthood and can be exploited to advance treatments following hearing loss.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10292982
- **Project number:** 5R01DC018353-03
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY
- **Principal Investigator:** ANNE E TAKESIAN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $512,062
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-12-01 → 2024-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10292982

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10292982, Differential Control of Auditory Cortex by Two Populations of Layer 1 Interneurons (5R01DC018353-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10292982. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*