# Development and function of Crhbp+ neurons in the zebrafish hypothalamus

> **NIH NIH F31** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2022 · $37,299

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The vertebrate hypothalamus maintains physiological homeostasis through regulation of the stress response
pathway. Disruption of this pathway can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders, but many of the genes and neurons
involved are unidentified. Our lab has discovered that the Wnt pathway mediator Lef1 regulates hypothalamic
neurogenesis and stress-related exploratory behavior, and my preliminary data suggest that a specific Lef1
protein isoform enriched in the developing brain may play a unique role in both of these functions. The
development of hypothalamic neurons expressing corticotropin-releasing hormone binding protein (Crhbp)
depends on Lef1 as well as its transcriptional target otbp, providing a hypothesized mechanism linking Wnt-
dependent transcription to behavior. This research proposal will test this hypothesis while providing technical
and career training essential for my goal to become an independent academic researcher. In my first Aim I will
create mutations disrupting specific Lef1 isoforms, and assess their effects on hypothalamic neurogenesis,
physiology, and behavior. In my second Aim, I will use cell transplantation to create genetic chimeras, and
determine whether Crhbp+ cells are necessary and sufficient to regulate exploratory behavior downstream of
Lef1 and Otpb. From this project I will identify molecules and circuits that may be conserved between zebrafish
and human stress response pathways, and gain new skills that will allow me to become a successful scientist
and mentor.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10465605
- **Project number:** 1F31NS127541-01
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Priscilla Figueroa
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $37,299
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-05-01 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10465605

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10465605, Development and function of Crhbp+ neurons in the zebrafish hypothalamus (1F31NS127541-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10465605. Licensed CC0.

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