# Integrin Functions in Shaping Cortical Circuits

> **NIH NIH K01** · JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $210,600

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The candidate is a tenure-track assistant professor at James Madison University, with the overarching goal of
understanding the development of the structure and function of the cerebral cortex to better diagnose and treat
neurodevelopmental disorders. His long-term research objective is to clarify the developmental and cell-
specific roles of integrins in the brain, and the overall focus of his proposal is to advance this objective by
understanding the developmental, anatomical, physiological, and behavioral roles of integrin beta 3 (Itgb3) in
excitatory cortical circuitry in vivo. His professional goals are to establish research independence and create a
network of outstanding colleagues. Achieving these goals will also strengthen his research program in a
NINDS-relevant area to compete successfully for R01/R15 funding by year 3 of the award and achieve tenure. A
team of outstanding, NIH-funded mentors will guide the candidate toward the stated goals. The primary
mentor is Dr. Mark Gabriele (James Madison Univ.), an expert in developmental neurobiology. The three co-
mentors are neuroscientists Dr. Jonathan Kipnis (UVA), an expert in autism and neuroimmunology, Dr.
Patricia Maness (UNC), an expert in cell adhesion molecules associated with neurodevelopmental disorders,
and Dr. Gregorio Valdez (Virginia Tech), a recent NINDS K01 awardee who has since secured an R01 and
tenure. The candidate has the full support of his colleagues (Career Advisory Committee) and institution.
 The overall goal of the proposed research is to understand the developmental role of Itgb3 in excitatory
cortical circuitry in vivo and establish a framework linking the anatomical, physiological, and behavioral
consequences of Itgb3 loss of function. The central hypothesis is that Itgb3 is required during a critical period
for restricting dendritic development in pyramidal neurons, establishing a normal excitatory tone required in
prefrontal cortex for normal social behavior. Preliminary data support this hypothesis, which will be tested by
pursuing 3 aims: (Aim 1) Determine if Itgb3 mediates dendritic development within excitatory cortical
pyramidal neurons, establishing a neural substrate for normal social behavior in prefrontal cortex. (Aim 2)
Define a critical period for Itgb3 function in excitatory cortical pyramidal neurons of prefrontal cortex. (Aim 3)
Define synaptic functions of Itgb3 in excitatory cortical pyramidal neurons of prefrontal cortex. This
contribution is significant because it will be the first to provide a mechanism for in vivo neuronal function of
integrin beta 3. The research is innovative because it shifts current research toward the neuron- and cortex-
specific functions of Itgb3 by causing cell-type-specific loss of function of Itgb3 in vivo during development.
 Taken together, the candidate has the full support of his mentors and institution as he executes a
research and career plan that will lead him toward his goals of uncovering...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9976641
- **Project number:** 1K01NS107723-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** George Vidal
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $210,600
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-05-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9976641

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9976641, Integrin Functions in Shaping Cortical Circuits (1K01NS107723-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9976641. Licensed CC0.

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