# Analyses of the Distributed Representation of Associative-Learning in an Identified Circuit Using a Combination of Single-Cell Electrophysiology and Multicellular Voltage-Sensitive Dye Recordings

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · 2020 · $334,519

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Although significant advances have been made in elucidating the cellular, biophysical and molecular
mechanisms of learning and memory, much less is known about the ways in which mnemonic processes are
embedded in neuronal networks, thereby storing and expressing a memory via changes in neural activity. The
overall goal of this proposal is to provide insights into the design principles that govern the implementation of
memories within the complex environment of a neural circuit. Studies will focus on an established in vitro
analogue of operant conditioning (OC) in a relatively complex neural circuit, which is amenable to cellular and
biophysical analyses. A combination of intracellular electrophysiological recording techniques and voltage-
sensitive dye (VSD) recordings will locate and analyze loci of non-synaptic plasticity and synaptic plasticity. In
addition, the project will examine the extent to which short- and long-term memory share plasticity loci. Aim 1
will use intracellular recording techniques to examine loci of OC-induced plasticity. Previous studies of OC in
this model system focused primarily on non-synaptic plasticity mechanisms. However, preliminary data indicate
that OC also modifies the strength of several synaptic connections in the network. Therefore, Aim 1 will examine
OC-induced synaptic and non-synaptic plasticity. Aim 2 will use a combination of intracellular and VSD
recordings to identify additional sites of OC-induced plasticity. To date, published studies have examined only
five of the ~100 neurons and none of the hundreds of synaptic connections that comprise the neural circuit. To
address this shortcoming, large-scale VSD recordings, in combination with intracellular recordings, will be used
to identify OC-induced changes in activity and synaptic properties in a substantial proportion of the neurons in
the circuit. Aim 3 will determine the extent to which short- and long-term memory share common loci and
plasticity mechanisms. Our previous studies indicate that at least one locus of plasticity is common to both short-
and long-term memory. Thus, an important question in memory research is to determine the extent to which
sites for short-term memory are also sites for long-term memory, or conversely, which sites of plasticity may be
unique to long-term memory. By examining these three aims, the project will provide insights into the ways in
which the many components of a nervous system orchestrate learning and generate behavior.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9836897
- **Project number:** 5R01NS101356-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- **Principal Investigator:** John H Byrne
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $334,519
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-02-01 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9836897

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9836897, Analyses of the Distributed Representation of Associative-Learning in an Identified Circuit Using a Combination of Single-Cell Electrophysiology and Multicellular Voltage-Sensitive Dye Recordings (5R01NS101356-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9836897. Licensed CC0.

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