# Corticofugal contributions to auditory perceptual learning

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · 2024 · $38,820

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Practice can improve the detection or discrimination of auditory stimuli. This process, called perceptual
learning, facilitates language acquisition and the development of musical skills, and improves speech
understanding in the hearing-impaired. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of the auditory cortex
in auditory perceptual learning, but we lack a complete understanding of the neural circuit mechanisms involved.
Corticofugal projections from the auditory cortex to subcortical auditory regions comprise a massive descending
pathway. This pathway integrates non-sensory inputs, which are essential to perceptual learning, with sensory
information and sharpens neural responses to relevant stimuli in subcortical auditory regions. Inactivation of this
corticofugal pathway also impairs learning in sensory tasks with difficult, near-threshold stimuli. Taken together,
the existing evidence suggests that corticofugal projections are well-positioned to play an important role in
perceptual learning. The core hypothesis of this proposal is that perceptual training strengthens
corticofugal modulation of activity in the ascending auditory pathway, leading to gradual enhancements
in signal detection that underlie perceptual learning. Aim 1 will use in vivo electrophysiology in freely-moving,
behaving animals to determine whether there are learning-related changes in neural activity in subcortical
auditory regions. Aim 2 will investigate whether corticofugal projections are necessary for the acquisition and/or
maintenance of training-induced improvements in perceptual sensitivity. Aim 3 will use projection-specific fiber
photometry recordings to assess if the activity of corticofugal neurons correlates with behavioral improvements
during perceptual learning. The findings from the proposed experiments will shed light on the neural circuits
underlying auditory perceptual learning and may ultimately inform strategies to improve auditory perception in
clinical populations.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10873095
- **Project number:** 5F31DC021355-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
- **Principal Investigator:** Rose Ying
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $38,820
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10873095

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10873095, Corticofugal contributions to auditory perceptual learning (5F31DC021355-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10873095. Licensed CC0.

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