How brain circuits form linked memories that trigger fear
Cortical Networks Encoding Higher-Order Memories that Elicit Fear
Researchers are testing how brain circuits create fear-linked memories so we can better understand and help people with PTSD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256768 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the team is trying to understand why some reminders that were never directly present during a traumatic event can still trigger intense fear. They will use chemogenetics and live electrical recordings in freely moving rats to study how networks across the cortex encode and later retrieve these higher-order fear memories. By manipulating and measuring activity in specific cortical circuits, they aim to identify the network signals that are necessary for creating and recalling linked fear memories. Those findings could guide future work to develop treatments that target the brain circuits behind intrusive memories.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with PTSD who experience flashbacks or persistent intrusive memories would be the eventual candidates most likely to benefit from follow-up clinical work.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate new treatments or those without trauma-related intrusive memories are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic animal research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new brain targets or strategies to prevent or reduce intrusive fear memories in PTSD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have successfully mapped core fear circuits, but applying these approaches to higher-order linked fear memories is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Burlington, United States
- University of Vermont & St Agric College — Burlington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Todd, Travis — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Todd, Travis
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.