How chronic stress affects brain function and behavior
Official title: Chronic stress-induced REDD1 expression in prefrontal cortex and cognitive inflexibility
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11069589 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how long-term stress affects our ability to think and adapt, especially in people with major depressive disorder, and aims to find out how stress changes the brain so we can develop better treatments and coping methods for those dealing with stress-related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | November 15, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $719,917 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH136708-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069589 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive difficulties related to chronic stress or major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive issues not related to stress or depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic stress impacts cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to adapt behavior in response to changing situations. It focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms in the prefrontal cortex that may lead to cognitive deficits seen in conditions like major depressive disorder. By studying both animal models and human brain function, the research aims to uncover how stress alters brain structures and functions, particularly in males. The findings could help identify new targets for treatment and improve coping strategies for those affected by stress-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cognitive deficits associated with chronic stress and depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the biological effects of stress on cognition can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mantsch, John R. — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Mantsch, John R.
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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.