Brain microcircuits that switch between danger and safety memories
Microcircuits governing conflicting memories of threat and safety
This project looks at specific brain cells that help switch between fear and safety memories, which could help people with anxiety or PTSD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285194 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use animal models to study how somatostatin interneurons in the ventral hippocampus influence whether a memory signals threat or safety. They will combine genetic targeting, electrophysiology, and optogenetics to activate or silence these cells and record the effects on brain activity and behavior. The team will test whether manipulating these neurons changes which memory — fear or extinction — is recalled in different contexts. Findings may point to brain targets that could be used in future treatments to reduce persistent, pathological fear.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people now, but its findings would be most relevant to people with PTSD or chronic anxiety who struggle with persistent fear memories.
Not a fit: People without fear-related psychiatric symptoms, or those seeking immediate treatment, are unlikely to get direct benefit from this laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new brain targets for therapies that reduce persistent fear in conditions like PTSD and anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: Similar preclinical studies manipulating hippocampal interneurons and using optogenetics have changed fear behaviors in rodents, so this approach builds on promising animal work.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clem, Roger L — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Clem, Roger L
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.