# Cellular and transcriptomic programs linking amygdala progenitors to mature neuronal identity

> **NIH NIH R21** · CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE · 2022 · $267,750

## Abstract

Project Summary
The complex cellular and molecular events driving embryonic brain development are becoming better
understood. However, how and to what extent these early processes are linked to the later emergence of
neuronal identity and circuit specific patterns of neuronal wiring controlling diverse behaviors remains
unknown. Our previous studies of development of medial subnucleus of the amygdala (MeA), a central hub for
processing olfactory cues essential for innate (unlearned) social behavior, suggests a direct link between
embryonic patterning and later subtype neuronal identity, lineage-specific patterns of output connectivity and
innate behavioral regulation. Leveraging the advantages of studying the MeA, a developmentally hard-wired
system, the goal of our proposed studies is elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that bridge
embryonic brain development with later functional outputs. Based on our previous data, we hypothesize that
the mature properties of MeA neuronal subtype identity and subcircuit wiring patterns are
preconfigured via cellular and molecular sequalae that unfold as lineages diverge in the VZ/SVZ. We
propose to test this hypothesis by determining: the cellular mechanisms underlying early MeA lineage
diversification (Specific Aim 1) and 2) linking emerging embryonic transcriptomic programs with the
acquisition of genetic identifiers of neuronal identity and circuit assembly and connectivity (Specific Aim 2).
This will be achieved by combining the expertise of the Haydar lab in cellular and transcriptomic mechanisms
of early progenitor specification and the Corbin lab in the genetic basis of amygdala development and function.
We propose to utilize innovative approaches including in utero ultrasound precision guided labeling of MeA
progenitor pools, multiphoton imaging to follow neurons as they emerge, and cutting-edge unsupervised
single-nuclei (sn) RNA-seq to identify the full repertoire of cellular and molecular factors operating as MeA
progenitors generate functionally connected postnatal neurons.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10430617
- **Project number:** 1R21MH129995-01
- **Recipient organization:** CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** JOSHUA G CORBIN
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $267,750
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-02-11 → 2023-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10430617

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10430617, Cellular and transcriptomic programs linking amygdala progenitors to mature neuronal identity (1R21MH129995-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10430617. Licensed CC0.

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