# Dopaminergic Modulation of Hippocampal-Cortical Interactions in Learning

> **NIH NIH R01** · CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2024 · $579,005

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The hippocampus plays a critical role in the formation of episodic memories. The current predominant
hypothesis is that memories are gradually established across distributed cortical networks under the influence
of hippocampal activity. Dopamine influences memory processing by signaling the motivational salience of
behaviorally relevant stimuli and by modulating the plasticity of cortical and hippocampal circuits. However, our
understanding of the impact of hippocampal inputs and dopaminergic modulation on cortical circuits during
memory processing remains incomplete. Here we propose to use two-photon imaging to characterize the
evolution of hippocampal inputs, dopamine dynamics, and neuronal responses in the auditory cortex
throughout the formation of associative auditory memories. In addition, we will measure the plasticity of
hippocampal inputs and their modulation by dopamine in vivo. Finally, we propose to use a combination of
optogenetic and pharmacological perturbations of the hippocampal inputs and dopamine levels in the auditory
cortex to determine their functional role in the learning and consolidation of auditory memories. Characterizing
hippocampal-cortical interactions and their neuromodulation is of fundamental importance for understanding
the circuit mechanisms underlying memory formation and can provide the foundation for elucidating how these
mechanisms are perturbed in memory disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10793417
- **Project number:** 1R01NS135465-01
- **Recipient organization:** CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** ATHANASSIOS SIAPAS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $579,005
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-12-15 → 2028-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10793417

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10793417, Dopaminergic Modulation of Hippocampal-Cortical Interactions in Learning (1R01NS135465-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10793417. Licensed CC0.

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