# Interneurons differentially regulate discrete pathways from ventral hippocampus

> **NIH NIH R00** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · 2022 · $249,000

## Abstract

Hippocampal microcircuits are comprised of excitatory pyramidal cells, which integrate information and innervate
downstream brain regions, and inhibitory interneurons, which function locally to regulate pyramidal cell activity
and synchronicity. In the ventral hippocampus (vHipp), microcircuit dysfunction has been associated with a
variety of neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, and
psychiatric illnesses. Previous work has demonstrated that vHipp pyramidal cells differentially regulate
schizophrenia-like behaviors depending on their downstream target. Similarly, unique classes of inhibitory
interneurons (namely parvalbumin (PV)-positive and somatostatin(SST)-positive) also differently regulate
schizophrenia-like behaviors. Therefore, the hypothesis of the current proposal is that PV- and SST-positive
interneurons differentially regulate the function of ventral hippocampus pyramidal cells depending on their
projection target. In the first aim, mammalian reconstitution across synaptic partners (mGRASP) will be used to
test the hypothesis that PV- and SST-positive interneurons differentially innervate vHipp pyramidal cells
depending on their target (i.e. the NAc or mPFC). In the second aim, fiber photometry, in vivo electrophysiology,
and optogenetics will be used to test the functional regulation of NAc vs mPFC projecting vHipp neurons by PV-
and SST-positive interneurons. Aim 3 will determine if microcircuit anatomy and function are altered by chronic
stress, a predisposing factor for many neurological disorders. In line with the goals of the BRAIN Initiative, the
results will provide insight into basic principles of neural circuit function and may lead to new strategies for the
treatment and prevention of devastating neurological disorders.
 My long-term goal is to become an independent scientist that studies the neurobiological mechanisms
underlying psychiatric disorders so that new and more effective treatments can be developed. The research plan
described above will be supplemented by a career development plan that will allow me to gain the skills
necessary to achieve this goal. Specifically, I have assembled a team of mentors from both in and outside of my
institution to provide scientific training and career guidance. Further, I will attend local and national conferences,
workshops, and meetings to enhance my training and ensure that I gain the skills requisite of an independent
investigator. Together, this award will provide me with scientific training and career development opportunities,
and importantly it will allow me to establish my own, independent line of research, which will focus on the effect
of chronic stress on vHipp microcircuits.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10434157
- **Project number:** 5R00MH121355-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer Donegan
- **Activity code:** R00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $249,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10434157

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10434157, Interneurons differentially regulate discrete pathways from ventral hippocampus (5R00MH121355-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10434157. Licensed CC0.

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