CHD7 protein in the anterior cingulate and its link to anxiety
The Role of CHD7 in ACC neurons
This project looks at whether changing the CHD7 protein in brain cells of the anterior cingulate affects anxiety-related brain activity and behavior, with implications for people with anxiety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159801 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the team uses experiments in adult mice to remove or alter CHD7 in excitatory neurons of the anterior cingulate cortex and then watches how those mice behave under stress. They measure anxiety-like behaviors, record neuronal activity in the ACC, and study molecular and synaptic changes in those neurons. The researchers also compare male and female animals to understand reported sex differences in CHD7 effects. The goal is to map the gene-related pathways that change how stress and mood are processed in the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with anxiety or stress-related mood disorders who want to learn about underlying brain mechanisms would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Children, people without anxiety symptoms, and anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in mice.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal a molecular mechanism tied to anxiety and point to new targets for treatments that better address stress-related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show CHD7 is important in brain development, but using post-development CHD7 changes in ACC neurons to alter adult anxiety is a relatively new and emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Qin — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Qin
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.