Genes that increase risk for long-lasting PTSD symptoms
Official title: Identification of genes conferring susceptibility in a preclinical model of PTSD
Funded at James a. Haley VA Medical Center · NIH-11206917 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks for genes and changes in brain cells that help explain why some people, especially combat survivors, develop long-lasting PTSD after trauma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James a. Haley VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX005159-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11206917 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This work is most relevant to military veterans and others with combat-related trauma who have persistent PTSD symptoms and who might participate in future human studies based on these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Because this is a preclinical laboratory study using mice, it will not offer direct treatment or immediate clinical benefit to individuals seeking care now.
What this research studies
Researchers will use a carefully designed mouse model that mimics aspects of combat-related trauma to produce lasting PTSD-like behaviors. They will analyze individual brain cells with single-cell transcriptomics to find which cell types and genes differ between animals that are resilient versus those that are susceptible. By controlling conditions in the lab, the team aims to identify biological markers of risk and resilience that are difficult to study directly in people. Results are intended to guide future work in veterans and to point to possible targets for prevention or treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biological targets that lead to better ways to prevent or treat chronic PTSD in people exposed to severe trauma.
How similar studies have gone: Related animal and single-cell studies have started to identify stress-linked cell types and gene patterns, but using this specific approach for chronic combat-related PTSD is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
James a. Haley VA Medical Center
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crawford, Fiona C. — James a. Haley VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Crawford, Fiona C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
-
Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Veterans with Social Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms
A clinical trial tests whether a flexible brain-behavior therapy helps veterans with social anxiety and PTSD symptoms feel better and engage more in daily life.
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.