# Improving cognition by understanding and harnessing the plasticity of gamma-generating circuits in prefrontal cortex

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2023 · $513,720

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
We recently published a study that used genetic encoded voltage indicators to show that gamma-frequency
(specifically ~40 Hz) synchronization between parvalbumin (PV) interneurons in the left and right mPFC
normally increases during specific cognitive tasks. Furthermore, specifically disrupting this synchrony was
sufficient to produce cognitive deficits similar to those observed in schizophrenia. Finally, we have found that
transiently increasing or decreasing gamma synchrony using optogenetic manipulations leads to long-lasting
changes in both gamma synchrony and cognition. Thus, gamma synchrony is a key mediator of cognition that
can undergo bi-directional plasticity thereby correcting or inducing cognitive deficits. This project will now use
genetically encoded voltage indicators, optogenetics, chemogenetics, slice electrophysiology and calcium
imaging, to identify interventions and cellular/synaptic mechanisms that produce therapeutic increases and
deleterious decreases in gamma synchrony, and elucidate exactly how changes in gamma synchrony affect
information processing by prefrontal circuits. This will lead to a greater understanding of how gamma
synchrony contributes to normal cognition, and reveal specific targets for restoring cognition in conditions such
as schizophrenia.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10694968
- **Project number:** 5R01MH129835-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Vikaas Singh Sohal
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $513,720
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10694968

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10694968, Improving cognition by understanding and harnessing the plasticity of gamma-generating circuits in prefrontal cortex (5R01MH129835-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10694968. Licensed CC0.

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