# Learning-induced changes in distinct auditory cortical cell-types

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2024 · $48,974

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Auditory-guided behaviors occur whenever auditory information is used to drive our decisions and actions. The
auditory cortex (ACtx) sits at the apex of the ascending auditory pathway but transforming acoustic features into
a behavioral outcome necessitates communication with regions outside of this auditory hierarchy. The primary
routes for ACtx to propagate auditory information throughout the brain are through intratelencephalic (IT) and
extratelencephalic (ET) neurons in cortical layer (L) 5, which are classified based on their distinct and largely
non-overlapping projection targets. However, little is known about the functional differences of these distinct
excitatory populations within ACtx. Investigating the neural circuitry underlying auditory-guided behavior and how
auditory information is used to drive behavior would fill a significant gap in our knowledge. A ubiquitous auditory-
guided behavior is categorization: the transformation of acoustic features into discrete perceptual categories that
drive a subsequent behavioral outcome. To investigate the role of L5 IT and ET neurons in such a behavior, we
designed a novel auditory categorization task for mice and performed two-photon imaging across days of
learning. Our preliminary data shows that L5 IT and ET neurons exhibit a divergence in their representation of
stimulus category and behavioral choice that is sculpted across learning. This suggests that IT projections are
important in initial stages of learning while ET projections are recruited and strengthened throughout learning.
Aim 1 will determine the contributions of L5 IT and ET neurons to learning an auditory categorization task and
Aim 2 will examine if these neurons differentially encode behavioral choice across learning. Combined, these
two Specific Aims will provide initial insight as to how two distinct excitatory cell-types in the largest cortical output
layer contribute to auditory-guided behavior. The outcomes of these experiments will expand our understanding
of how sensory information is propagated throughout the brain and how cortical circuits enable complex
behaviors. Furthermore, this proposal will considerably enhance my personal and professional development as
an independent scientist. Successful completion of this proposal will prepare me for my long-term goal of
becoming a principal investigator in auditory neuroscience.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10922737
- **Project number:** 5F31DC021363-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Nathan A Schneider
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $48,974
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10922737

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10922737, Learning-induced changes in distinct auditory cortical cell-types (5F31DC021363-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10922737. Licensed CC0.

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