How endocannabinoids affect stress and mood disorders
Official title: Circuit-specific actions of endocannabinoids in stress and mood disorders
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10689093 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a part of the brain helps manage stress and mood by using natural chemicals called endocannabinoids, and it aims to find new ways to help people who struggle with anxiety and mood disorders.
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 | September 11, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH121454-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10689093 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing anxiety or mood disorders, particularly those who have not responded to traditional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mood disorders that are not related to stress responses or those who do not have access to the research location may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating stress responses and mood disorders by focusing on specific brain circuits. It examines how the medial habenula, a brain structure, synthesizes and releases endocannabinoids to influence behavior and emotional responses. The study utilizes both animal models and human data to explore the connections between endocannabinoid signaling, stress-induced anxiety, and mood dysregulation. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for treating mood disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for anxiety and mood disorders by targeting specific brain circuits involved in stress responses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of the habenula in mood regulation, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Qing-Song — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Liu, Qing-Song
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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.