How serotonin affects responses to danger
Official title: Insular serotonin modulatesbehavioral responses to danger
Funded at Boston College · NIH-10901413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called serotonin affects how we respond to feelings of danger, which could help us find better ways to treat anxiety for people who struggle with it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $45,442 |
| NIH project number | 1F31MH133304-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety-related disorders or heightened responses to danger.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-anxiety-related conditions or those not experiencing anxiety symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how serotonin in the brain influences how we react to danger signals. By focusing on specific brain areas, particularly the dorsal raphe nucleus and the insula, the study aims to understand the neurobiological mechanisms behind anxiety-related behaviors. The research will utilize advanced neuroscience techniques to analyze how these brain regions communicate and respond to threats, which could lead to new treatments for anxiety disorders. Patients may benefit from insights that could inform therapeutic strategies for managing anxiety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for anxiety-related disorders, improving the quality of life for patients suffering from these conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of serotonin in anxiety, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ng, Alexandra Jade — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Ng, Alexandra Jade
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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.