# Influence of Perineuronal nets on cortical neurons

> **NIH NIH SC3** · QUEENS COLLEGE · 2020 · $115,500

## Abstract

Abstract
Sensory deprivation from mice to man has been shown to have profound impacts on neuronal
physiology, behavior and cognitive processes. Underling these changes are alterations in
neuronal and non-neuronal structures. Our preliminary data shows that following one month of
whisker trimming induced sensory deprivation the perineuronal net (PN), a neuron specific form
of the extra cellular matrix, is significantly reduced in the barrel cortex of mice. The loss of the
PN is most prominent around fast-spiking parvalbumin positive GABAergic interneurons.
Converging evidence has shown that fast-spiking interneurons play a pivotal role in the closure
of the developmental critical period in the visual system and their proper functioning is
necessary for the proper physiological functioning of the cortex. Coincident with deprivation
induced decreases in the PN we observed increases in the enzyme tissue plasminogen
activator (tPA) which dissolves the PN. Under the same conditions microglia become activated,
thus we propose that sensory deprivation induces microglia activation which release tPA and
thus decrease the PN. In Aim 1 we will demonstrate a causal link between sensory deprivation,
microglia activation and tPA release resulting in PN decreases using immunocytochemical
techniques in conjunction with stereology. In Aim 2 we will focus on the physiological roll PNs
have in modifying the intrinsic and synaptic properties of fast-spiking interneurons. We will
employ our novel small volume incubator which allows for time dependent degradation of the
PN in conjunction with dual whole-cell recordings.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9897604
- **Project number:** 5SC3GM122657-04
- **Recipient organization:** QUEENS COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** JOSHUA Craig BRUMBERG
- **Activity code:** SC3 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $115,500
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-05-01 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9897604

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9897604, Influence of Perineuronal nets on cortical neurons (5SC3GM122657-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9897604. Licensed CC0.

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