How brain cells called astrocytes affect emotional circuits in the brain.
Official title: Astrocyte regulation of amygdala circuit function
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10918318 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called astrocytes might affect the amygdala, which helps control our emotions, to better understand how changes in these cells could be linked to depression and behaviors related to it, especially for those who have experienced suicidal thoughts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $608,297 |
| NIH project number | 5R56MH133822-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918318 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who experience depression or anxiety disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with psychiatric conditions unrelated to astrocyte function or those under 21 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in regulating the function of the amygdala, which is crucial for emotional processing and behavior. By examining brain tissue from individuals who died by suicide and comparing it to healthy controls, the study aims to understand how changes in astrocytes may contribute to depression and related behaviors. The researchers will use advanced techniques to manipulate specific proteins in astrocytes to see how these changes affect brain circuit function and emotional responses. This could provide insights into the biological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating depression and anxiety by targeting astrocyte function.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of astrocytes in brain function is an emerging field, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding their impact on psychiatric disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woo, Junsung — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Woo, Junsung
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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.