Deficits in feedforward inhibition mediated by parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) cortical interneurons are common among animal models of autism. In the current project, Oscar Marín and Beatriz Rico plan to investigate molecular mechanisms regulating the formation of excitatory synapses onto PV+ interneurons. Specifically, they will focus their studies on the ErbB4-Tsc2-mTOR signaling pathway. Findings from these studies will provide insights into the development of an important pool of synaptic connections of relevance for autism.