# Fear learning-related reconfiguration of local and large-scale cortical networks

> **NIH NIH K99** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $105,824

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Neural activity in the neocortex is plastic over a range of temporal scales. Learning associations between
sensory stimuli and behaviorally relevant outcomes drives cortical plasticity and is fundamental to an organism’s
survival. Chronic stress can also impact neural circuits although its contributions to sensory cortex connectivity
and sensory encoding is unclear. Changes in information processing in the neocortex can take place at different
spatial scales: in local microcircuits made up of heterogeneous excitatory and inhibitory cell types and in larger
interconnected cortical networks. Rodent studies from the last decade have revealed an elaborate network of
secondary visual areas that may be involved in visually-guided behaviors such as associating initially neutral
visual stimuli with aversive events. However, the dynamic network connectivity of these secondary areas and
their distinct contributions to learned, visually guided fear behavior is unknown. Fear-learning enhances the
cortical representation of stimuli that predict a foot shock, but it is currently unknown if different inhibitory
elements support these changes in visual stimulus representations.
 Using innovative imaging approaches this proposal will address 3 Aims: (1) Determine the changes in
network dynamics and functional connectivity that accompany fear learning. The proposed experiments will
investigate primary and secondary visual cortical contributions to learned fear behavior using simultaneous dual
2-photon/widefield imaging and cortical inactivation approaches. (2) Determine the microcircuits that contribute
to fear-learning related changes in cortical responses. Using cell-type specific 2-photon imaging and
optogenetics Dr. Moberly will test the hypothesis that VIP-mediated disinhibition enhances cortical output neuron
responses. (3) Investigate the consequences of stress for functional sensory cortical network architecture and
its relationship to ongoing behavioral state.
 Dr. Moberly will conduct this research in the labs of his mentors Drs. Jessica Cardin and Michael Higley
at the Yale University School of Medicine with input from advisory committee members, Drs. Marina Picciotto
and Michael Crair. In the K99 period, Dr. Moberly will learn new technical skills in cellular 2-photon and
simultaneous dual 2-photon/widefield imaging in combination with optogenetics and quantitative behavioral
approaches. The proposed experiments and multifaceted training plan will impart Dr. Moberly with a unique
combination of skills that will position him to transition into a successful independent career as a systems
neuroscientist.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10894291
- **Project number:** 5K99EY035344-02
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Andrew Moberly
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $105,824
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10894291

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10894291, Fear learning-related reconfiguration of local and large-scale cortical networks (5K99EY035344-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10894291. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*