# Imaging progressive circuit reorganization after traumatic brain injury

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 2023 · $42,804

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to cognitive disabilities and epilepsy, but circuit mechanisms remain
unknown. I hypothesize that the death of inhibitory interneurons and subsequent reorganization of neural
circuitry in hippocampus leads to post-traumatic deficits in spatial coding and memory. To test this, I propose
studies to systematically and comprehensively map the progressive structural and functional breakdown of
hippocampal neurons in a widely used mouse model of TBI. In Aim 1, I will use advanced whole-brain circuit
mapping technologies to visualize the inputs and outputs of hippocampal CA1 neurons in control and brain
injured animals. In Aims 2 and 3, I will use calcium imaging with miniature microscopes to determine how
spatial coding in hippocampus is altered by TBI and after interneuron transplantation. My long term goal is to
build an independent academic career dedicated to developing novel circuit-based therapeutics for brain and
spinal cord injury. Achieving this goal will require extensive training in the principles of neurotrauma, physiology
and behavior. UCI is an outstanding institution for training in these areas, primarily due to the rich community
of prominent neuroscientists and clinicians performing neurotrauma research and the pioneering role of UCI in
the neurobiology of learning and memory, epilepsy and behavior. To help me achieve my goals, I have
assembled a world-class team of internationally recognized scientists who will provide me with hands-on
technical training, formal coursework and career guidance during the award and beyond.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10678271
- **Project number:** 1F31NS132447-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Alexa Marie Tierno
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $42,804
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10678271

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10678271, Imaging progressive circuit reorganization after traumatic brain injury (1F31NS132447-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10678271. Licensed CC0.

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