# Elucidating the Role of Noradrenergic Circuitry in Aversive Contextual Processing

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2022 · $46,752

## Abstract

Project Summary:
 The primary goal of this training proposal is to dissect the neurocircuitry of locus coeruleus (LC) noradrenergic
 projections to the dentate gyrus (DG) in contextual memory processing. Previous research has implicated this
 circuit in aversive contextual processing, with increased norepinephrine (NE) resulting in impaired discrimination
in learning the difference between a safe context and an unsafe context. These findings point to this circuits
relevance to disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia, both of which are
 characterized by failures in memory, specifically in pattern separation. However, many more questions remain
regarding the exact circuit, cell-type, and molecular mechanisms by which this occurs. The first aim of this
 training proposal seeks to characterize the spatiotemporal dynamics of norepinephrine release in the DG during
 aversive contextual processing. Aim 1A uses fiber photometry in conjunction with newly developed NE-sensors
 to observe endogenous NE release during aversive and novel stimuli, while Aim 1B uses fiber photometry in
 conjunction with photo-stimulation to test for sufficiency of evoked NE release in pattern separation in place of
 aversive stimuli in a neutral context. The second aim of this training proposal seeks to elucidate the mechanisms
by which NE acts on α- and β-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in the dentate gyrus during aversive contextual
 processing. Aim 2A uses in vitro 2-photon calcium imaging and slice electrophysiology with application of AR-
 specific pharmacological agents to determine the role of α- and β-ARs on specific cell types in modulating DG
 excitability properties, while Aim 2B uses CRISPR-based viral techniques to selectively knockout α- and β-ARs
in the DG during in vivo 1-photon calcium imaging to determine the effects of α- and β-ARs on DG neural
ensemble shifts during aversive contextual processing. Using these techniques will allow me to uncover the
 distinct mechanisms by which α and β-ARs modulate DG neuron excitability and neural ensemble changes to
 affect aversive contextual processing. Here we utilize in vivo and in vitro calcium imaging in the dentate gyrus,
 fiber photometry in the dentate gyrus, and selectively knockout α- and β-ARs to further understand the role of
the LC-DG noradrenergic circuit and its role in aversive contextual processing. Leveraging these numerous,
 novel, high-resolution approaches will allow us to further understand the endogenous noradrenergic system and
identify potential mechanisms that underlie PTSD and schizophrenia. During my tailored mentored training
 period, I will learn fiber photometry, 2-photon calcium imaging, in vitro slice electrophysiology, CRISPR-based
viral, pharmacological, computational, and behavioral techniques, as well as fully engage into a specific
 mentored development plan to prepare me for an independent research career.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10604128
- **Project number:** 1F31MH130080-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Eric Zhang
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $46,752
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-16 → 2024-09-15

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10604128

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10604128, Elucidating the Role of Noradrenergic Circuitry in Aversive Contextual Processing (1F31MH130080-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10604128. Licensed CC0.

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