Federal Grant Award Summary

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) received a Project Grant award of $126,122 from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders program (CFDA 93.853), with an award date of June 1, 2026, and completion date of May 31, 2028. The grant funds research investigating how astrocytes regulate neuronal circuits through intracellular calcium signaling mechanisms, with particular focus on a newly identified process called "gating," whereby arousal-associated neurochemical cues (tyramine) modulate astrocyte responsiveness to dopamine and downstream neuronal activity.

During the two-year mentored award phase, the research will employ both mouse and Drosophila model systems to dissect astrocyte neuromodulation mechanisms. Deliverables include mechanistic characterization of dopamine receptor externalization and identification of key regulators controlling this process (Aim 1), as well as experimental dissection of how gated dopamine responses control downstream neuronal activity and circuit computations (Aim 2). The research is designed to bridge fundamental gaps in understanding how astrocytes contribute to neural circuit function—a level of nervous system regulation historically underrepresented in connectome and electrophysiology-based models of brain function—and to establish new tools and approaches for manipulating astrocyte signaling in vivo.