How serotonin affects fear responses in the brain
Official title: Role of serotonin brain circuit in the developmental emergence ofinnate fear
Funded at New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-11051788 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how serotonin affects fear and anxiety in the brain, especially how these effects develop from childhood to adulthood, using mice to learn more about how changes in serotonin levels can shape our responses to fear.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 13, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $179,943 |
| NIH project number | 5K01MH131895-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051788 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with anxiety disorders or those experiencing maladaptive fear responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have anxiety disorders or fear-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of serotonin in the brain circuits that control fear responses, particularly focusing on how these mechanisms develop from early life into adulthood. By using a combination of behavioral assays in mice and advanced techniques like optogenetics and deep learning algorithms, the study aims to understand how serotonin influences fear-like behaviors. The research will explore how changes in serotonin levels during critical developmental periods can lead to long-lasting effects on anxiety and fear responses in adulthood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for anxiety disorders by targeting serotonin pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding serotonin's role in anxiety and fear responses, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zanni, Giulia — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Zanni, Giulia
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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.