How stress changes gene switches to raise anxiety risk
Epigenetic insights into stress vulnerability in mouse models
This work tests whether stress alters gene control in brain cells in ways that make people more likely to develop anxiety disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11232328 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will use specially engineered mice to see how chronic stress changes gene regulation in brain cells linked to mood and anxiety. They focus on a gene regulator called YY1 and its interaction with the stress hormone receptor (GR), combining genetic, molecular, genomic, and behavioral tests. The team will use modern genomic tools and new mouse models to track which gene switches flip after stress and how that leads to anxious behaviors. Their goal is to build knowledge that could point toward better ways to diagnose or treat stress-related psychiatric conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a history of stress-related anxiety disorders are the group most likely to benefit from these findings and could be candidates for future clinical follow-up studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose symptoms are driven purely by social or situational factors or by biological pathways unrelated to YY1/GR signaling may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify biological markers and molecular targets that lead to improved diagnosis and new treatment strategies for stress-related anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown stress-related epigenetic changes and the investigators previously found YY1 downregulation after stress in mice, but translating such findings into proven human treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Zhaolan — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Zhaolan
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 below.