# Neuromodulation and Robustness of Neurons and Networks

> **NIH NIH R35** · BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $960,371

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
 This is a request to consolidate three ongoing NINDS-funded proposals that deal
with neuromodulation (R37 NS 17813), temperature compensation (R01 NS 81012), and
computational models of homeostatic regulation of intrinsic excitability (Project #4 of
P01 NS07949). Together these projects comprise a coherent attempt to understand
brain circuit stability in the face of: a) extensive neuromodulation, b) constant and rapid
turnover of ion channels and receptors, and c) degenerate and multiple solutions at the
single neuron and circuit level. These questions arise from years of computational and
experimental work using the small circuits of the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion
(STG), but address general problems relevant to all nervous systems, from invertebrates
to humans. Future experiments will combine experimental and computational work to
understand the correlations in biological parameters in neurons and networks that allow
any given parameter to be variable while the circuit itself retains robustness. Animal to
animal variability in response to perturbations will be measured, the strengths of all of
the synapses in STG circuits will be measured, and the regulation of multiple
neuromodulator receptors by single neurons will be studied. Additionally, self-tuning
models will be developed to find sets of neuronal parameters that allow neurons to
maintain stability in response to perturbations. This work will illuminate the extent to
which the same animal can potentially generate similar behavior by substantially
different (degenerate) circuit mechanisms at different times. If so, this can shed light on
how larger circuits may switch between a number of degenerate circuit mechanisms to
generate stable behaviors over time.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9830090
- **Project number:** 5R35NS097343-04
- **Recipient organization:** BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** EVE E MARDER
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $960,371
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-12-01 → 2024-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9830090

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9830090, Neuromodulation and Robustness of Neurons and Networks (5R35NS097343-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9830090. Licensed CC0.

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