How androgens affect stress responses in the brain
Official title: Androgen Regulation of CRF Receptor 1 as a mediator of stress responses
Funded at State University of New York at Albany · NIH-10724308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain hormones called androgens might help manage stress and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, especially by focusing on specific brain cells, and it could lead to better treatments for mood disorders that affect different people in different ways.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Albany NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $156,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03MH134109-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10724308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing anxiety or depression, particularly women, due to the focus on sex differences in stress responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience anxiety or depression, or those with other unrelated mental health conditions, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of androgens, a type of hormone, in regulating stress responses, particularly focusing on how they influence anxiety and depression. The study aims to understand the specific neural mechanisms through which androgens act, especially in neurons that express corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRFR1). By examining these interactions in key brain regions, the research seeks to uncover how androgens can suppress stress hormone release and reduce stress-related behaviors. This could lead to new insights into sex differences in mood disorders and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for anxiety and depression, particularly for women who are disproportionately affected by these conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of hormones in stress responses, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Albany
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zuloaga, Damian Gabriel — State University of New York at Albany
- Study coordinator: Zuloaga, Damian Gabriel
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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.