# The Development of Inhibitory Networks Regulating Sustained Attention

> **NIH NIH R56** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2021 · $506,141

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Deficits in sustained attention are common in the general population, and even more common in patients with
underlying neuropsychiatric diseases. The diagnosis is complicated by the lack of an objective biomarker, and
the most effective treatments are stimulants, which are controlled substances with the potential for abuse or
diversion. The focus of this proposal is to explore the use of brain oscillations in the electroencephalogram
(EEG) as a translational tool to evaluate the relationship between fast and slow frequencies as an underlying
mechanism for attention. This unique EEG signal, known as phase-amplitude coupling (PAC), has the potential
to integrate the brain processes involved with focusing attention on a task. The central hypothesis of this
proposal is that PAC in the posterior parietal region of the brain in mice coordinates normal attention
processes, and this PAC is impaired in mice with attention deficits. Two genetic mouse models of epilepsy
have abnormal PAC, one genetic model has the same type of epilepsy but normal PAC, and a fourth genetic
model has no epilepsy but abnormal PAC. Testing of these models with simultaneous EEG and behavioral
testing, however, has not previously been done. In addition, these models provide mechanistic insight to the
disease on a cellular and network level. Using behavioral experiments with simultaneous video-EEG
monitoring in mice, the specific aims of this project are to: (1) Demonstrate the relationship between PAC and
attention in normal mice; (2) evaluate normal and aberrant PAC throughout development; and (3) determine
the relationship between genetic and environmental influences on the development of PAC and sustained
attention. This proposal uniquely approaches these aims by merging computational analysis of EEG,
behavioral studies, and pharmacological/genetic manipulations over the course of neurodevelopment. In the
short term, the work from this proposal will elucidate the developmental mechanisms underlying sustained
attention on a network level. In the long term, this work may validate the use of PAC as a translational
biomarker for drug discovery in rodents as well as aid in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients
with deficits in attention. Ultimately, the completion of this research will shed new light on the relationship
between brain oscillations, behavior and therapy, and can directly lead to improvements in drug development,
neurofeedback, and patient care.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10414269
- **Project number:** 1R56MH126953-01
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Atul Maheshwari
- **Activity code:** R56 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $506,141
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10414269

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10414269, The Development of Inhibitory Networks Regulating Sustained Attention (1R56MH126953-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10414269. Licensed CC0.

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