How a specific brain region influences avoidance behavior in anxiety
Official title: Understanding the mechanisms by which vCA1 orchestrates avoidance behavior
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11071111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a specific part of the brain in animals helps them make choices about avoiding or approaching things, which can help us understand anxiety in people and find better treatments for it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | February 27, 2025 |
| Project end | February 26, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31MH139309-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071111 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from anxiety disorders who experience maladaptive avoidance behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with anxiety disorders who do not exhibit avoidance behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) in animals affects their decision-making when faced with avoidance or approach situations, which is crucial for understanding anxiety disorders in humans. By studying the neural mechanisms involved in these behaviors, the research aims to uncover insights that could lead to new treatments for anxiety. The approach involves using advanced neuroscience tools to manipulate and observe brain activity in animal models, providing a clearer picture of how these processes work. The findings could help identify why some individuals with anxiety disorders tend to avoid situations even when it may not be beneficial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments for anxiety disorders, improving the quality of life for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of anxiety through animal models, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'sullivan, Rachel — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: O'sullivan, Rachel
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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.