How early life challenges affect brain signaling and behavior
Official title: The Impact of Early Life Adversity on mGluR5-driven Endocannabinoid Signaling and Behavioral Adaptability
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10996963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tough experiences in childhood can affect the brain and behavior as we grow up, especially in relation to anxiety and depression, and it uses animal models to find ways to help people who have gone through these challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $45,563 |
| NIH project number | 1F31MH138115-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996963 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced significant adversity during their early life and are currently facing neuropsychiatric challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced early life adversity or do not exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how experiences of adversity during early life can influence brain signaling pathways and behavioral adaptability later in life. By examining the role of mGluR5-driven endocannabinoid signaling, the study aims to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that link early life stress to neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. The research utilizes animal models to explore changes in brain function and behavior resulting from early life adversity, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating neuropsychiatric disorders linked to early life adversity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of early life adversity on brain function and behavior, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Carvalho, Gregory — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: De Carvalho, Gregory
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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.