How inflammation and stress affect brain function related to mood disorders
Official title: Peripheral Inflammation and Stress Drive Ventral Striatal Maladaptations
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11062358 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation and stress affect the part of the brain that controls feelings of pleasure and discomfort, especially in people with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, to better understand how these factors can lead to issues like depression and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | May 11, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $420,907 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH126948-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062358 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are adults over 21 years old who experience anxiety or depression, particularly those with chronic inflammatory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have mood disorders or chronic inflammatory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of peripheral inflammation and stress on the brain's reward and aversion systems, particularly focusing on the ventral striatum. It aims to understand how these factors contribute to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which are often exacerbated by chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. By examining the underlying brain circuitry and signaling pathways, the study seeks to uncover the mechanisms that lead to maladaptive behaviors in response to stress and inflammation. Patients may be involved in assessments that explore their neurobehavioral responses and the effects of inflammation on their mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for mood disorders linked to inflammation and stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between inflammation and mental health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bibb, James a — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Bibb, James a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Retinal signals in early diabetes and how they affect vision
This grant looks at how diabetes changes the signals in the retina that control vision, with a focus on inner retinal cells and how these changes may lead to vision problems.
-
Mining safety training that connects research to practice for Western miners
A patient-facing overview of a U.S. mining safety program that partners universities and mining operators to improve training, safety practices, and outcomes for mine workers in the Western United States.
-
Developing small molecules to treat TDP-43 related brain diseases
A potential new drug candidate (XL20) for diseases like Alzheimer’s and other dementias linked to TDP-43 protein problems is being developed and refined for people who live with these conditions.
-
Mobile platform using AI to screen for oral cancer in low-resource communities
A low-cost, AI-powered mobile tool helps frontline healthcare workers screen for oral cancer and triage patients in communities with limited access to specialists.
-
A new optical method to image skin cancers using synthetic waves
A small grant is funding the development and testing of tissue-mimicking skin phantoms to improve non-invasive imaging of skin cancers.
-
MRI-guided precision care for infants with cleft palate
We’re exploring how MRI can help tailor early care for babies with cleft palate to support better speech outcomes.
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.