# The role of the nucleus reuniens in the temporal organization of memory and  behavior

> **NIH NIH R01** · FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $364,341

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Temporal organization is critical to many perceptual, cognitive, and behavioral functions. These temporal
abilities are adversely impacted in several mental health disorders including, but not limited to, schizophrenia
and attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). However, the neurobiological underpinnings of the temporal organization
of memory and behavior remain poorly understood. Here, we will focus on the nucleus reuniens of the
thalamus (RE), an understudied brain region at the nexus of communication between the hippocampus and
medial prefrontal cortex. RE is anatomically positioned to profoundly influence interactions between memory
and executive systems in the brain. Based on anatomical and theoretical considerations, we hypothesize that
RE is essential to, and RE neurons represent, sequences of events and elapsed time. However, nothing is
known about the role of RE in time and temporal contexts. In this project, we will directly test the role of
RE in time and temporal contexts in memory and behavior. We will use a broad behavioral strategy testing
three different fundamental timing tasks: AIM1, memory for sequences of events; AIM2, elapsed-time memory
(scale = minutes); and AIM3, interval timing (scale = tens of seconds). One experimental approach will be to
test the causal role of RE, and RE circuitry, using muscimol and state-of-the-art virally-delivered inhibitory
designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs). In another approach, we will record
RE neural activity—neurons, ensembles, and local field potentials—using cutting-edge driveable tetrode
arrays. Completion of these aims will establish foundational knowledge for understanding the role of the RE in
the temporal organization of memory and behavior. Importantly, we will integrate our findings into a unified
theoretical framework for RE circuitry within a medial prefrontal cortex-reuniens-hippocampus system. What
we learn from these studies will lead to new approaches in the study of temporal dysfunctions that occur in
numerous mental health disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9867751
- **Project number:** 5R01MH113626-03
- **Recipient organization:** FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Timothy Alexander Allen
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $364,341
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-05-10 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9867751

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9867751, The role of the nucleus reuniens in the temporal organization of memory and  behavior (5R01MH113626-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9867751. Licensed CC0.

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