Blocking HDAC2 in brain reward and mood circuits
Consequences of HDAC2 inhibition in VTA-NAc circuitry
This work looks at whether blocking a protein called HDAC2 in brain circuits linked to mood explains how medications like valproate help people with bipolar disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11133048 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses laboratory and animal models focused on the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), brain regions involved in reward and mood. They map which genes HDAC2 normally binds and measure changes in histone acetylation when HDAC2 is blocked. Researchers will then test how changing those target genes affects behaviors related to mania and mood. The approach aims to connect molecular changes to the effects of valproate so safer, more targeted therapies might be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with bipolar disorder, especially those with manic episodes or who have had limited benefit or intolerable side effects from valproate, are the patients most likely to benefit from future therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: People without bipolar disorder or those seeking immediate clinical treatment changes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific genes or pathways to target for safer, more effective treatments for bipolar disorder with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work from this group indicated valproate's effects may involve HDAC2 in the VTA, but identifying the downstream gene targets is a newer, still preclinical effort.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcclung, Colleen a — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Mcclung, Colleen a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.