How brain connections regulate arousal linked to emotions and anxiety
Official title: Interoceptive regulation of pupil-linked arousal by connections in the brain's prominent noradrenaline hubs
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10998609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain helps control our feelings and reactions to stress by paying attention to signals from our body, especially our heart, and it aims to find new ways to help people who struggle with anxiety and stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,064 |
| NIH project number | 1F31MH138104-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998609 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing anxiety or stress-related disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable emotional states and no history of anxiety or stress-related disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) regulates arousal, which is crucial for managing emotions and behaviors. It focuses on understanding how bodily signals, particularly from the heart, influence anxiety and stress responses. By studying the connections between the LC and other brain regions, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could help in treating stress-related disorders. The approach includes both human and animal models to explore the relationship between interoception and emotional regulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing anxiety and stress-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the locus coeruleus in emotional regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Noah William — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Miller, Noah William
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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.