Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) awarded a $535,124 Project Grant to The Regents of the University of Colorado (University of Colorado-Denver) on June 16, 2026, under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders program (CFDA 93.853). The award supports research investigating neural circuits for disinhibition in the cerebellum, with a project completion date of March 31, 2031. The research aims to elucidate how molecular layer interneuron (MLI) circuits modulate Purkinje cell excitability through disinhibition mechanisms, thereby enabling adaptive motor learning in response to error signals. The study employs functional recordings, circuit-targeted activity manipulations, and behavioral analysis to map interactions among MLIs, climbing fibers, and Purkinje cells in the flocculus during vestibulo-ocular reflex tasks.

The primary deliverables from this project grant include scientific findings on the organization and functional role of distinct MLI circuit subtypes in context-dependent modulation of cerebellar plasticity and error-driven motor learning. Using in vivo high-density electrophysiology and targeted circuit manipulations, the research will generate detailed characterizations of how climbing fiber synchrony selectively engages MLI networks to balance inhibition and excitation of Purkinje cells during motor errors. These findings are intended to advance fundamental understanding of cerebellar mechanisms underlying motor adaptation and skill acquisition, with potential implications for understanding neural circuit dysfunction in cerebellar disorders and motor learning deficits.