# Sonic Hedgehog Dependent Neuron-Astrocyte Crosstalk During Cortical Circuit Assembly

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2023 · $403,157

## Abstract

Project Summary
Neuronal-glial relationships play a critical role in the regulation of synapse formation and neuronal
specification. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which neurons and astrocytes communicate and
coordinate are not well understood. The experiments in this proposal will uncover the molecular and cellular
mechanisms by which neuron derived SHH protein can coordinate the cell behaviors of cortical astrocytes to
facilitate the formation and function of neural circuits in the brain. In our studies we take advantage of the large
complement of mouse genetic tools that allows us to specifically manipulate Shh signaling in astrocytes. Using
cutting edge light and electron microscopy approaches we will define how specific interactions between
astrocytes and neurons are dependent on Shh signaling and assess how astrocytes influence the development
of functional circuits. Collectively these aims will provide a framework for understanding the delivery, reception
and cellular response to SHH in the developing cortex.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10307403
- **Project number:** 1R01NS118933-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** COREY C HARWELL
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $403,157
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-04-01 → 2028-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10307403

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10307403, Sonic Hedgehog Dependent Neuron-Astrocyte Crosstalk During Cortical Circuit Assembly (1R01NS118933-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10307403. Licensed CC0.

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