How a stress-related brain chemical in the front of the brain affects focus and goal-directed thinking
Prefrontal CRF and the Regulation of Goal Directed Behavior
This project looks at how a stress-related brain chemical in the prefrontal cortex influences attention and working memory, with the goal of helping people with ADHD and other behavior disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11253255 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use rat models to map how corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a stress-related brain chemical, affects different types of prefrontal cortex neurons involved in working memory and sustained attention. They manipulate CRF signaling locally and across brain regions, block CRF receptors, and study the role of the mediodorsal thalamus in these effects. The team distinguishes between glutamatergic and GABAergic CRF neuron subtypes to see which pathways drive specific cognitive problems. Findings are aimed at identifying biological targets that could guide future human treatments for PFC-related cognitive dysfunction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is preclinical and uses rats, so it does not enroll patients now, but people with ADHD or attention-related cognitive problems could be candidates for future trials informed by these findings.
Not a fit: Patients expecting direct or immediate personal benefit should note this is animal-based basic research and will not provide treatment or clinical care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatment targets to improve attention and working memory for people with ADHD and related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown that altering CRF signaling can change attention and working memory, but translating those findings into human treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berridge, Craig W — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Berridge, Craig W
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.