How astrocytes influence brain structure in response to stress
Control of extracellular matrix remodeling by CD29+ astrocytes
This study looks at how brain cells called astrocytes respond to stress and work with their surroundings to keep the brain healthy, which could help us understand how stress impacts our mood and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10887388 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how astrocytes, a type of brain cell, interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) to adapt to stress. By focusing on a specific marker called CD29, the study aims to understand the role of astrocytes in remodeling the ECM, which is crucial for maintaining brain health and function. The approach involves examining the cellular and molecular changes that occur in the brain's reward centers when exposed to unpredictable stressors. This could provide insights into how stress affects brain activity and behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing stress-related conditions or disorders affecting brain function.
Not a fit: Patients with non-neurological conditions or those not affected by stress-related issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating stress-related disorders by targeting astrocyte functions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting astrocyte functions can lead to significant improvements in understanding brain responses to stress, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wheeler, Michael Alex — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wheeler, Michael Alex
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.