How stress-control neurons are removed during brain development
Mechanisms and significance of programmed cell death in hypothalamic CRH neurons
This project aims to understand whether the normal elimination of stress-regulating brain cells during development influences later risk for anxiety and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237603 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use transparent zebrafish to watch corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in real time as they live, connect, or undergo programmed cell death. The team will test how nearby cell contacts, synapses, and the protein DSCAML1 determine which CRH neurons are eliminated. Earlier work showed that loss of DSCAML1 reduces this developmental cell death and causes overactivation of the stress-hormone pathway in fish. By linking these developmental processes to later stress responses, the project aims to reveal mechanisms that may relate to anxiety and depression in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of anxiety, depression, or early-life stress may be particularly interested in following these findings, although the project itself uses animal models rather than enrolling patients.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate therapies should not expect direct benefit because this is basic laboratory research in zebrafish rather than a human clinical trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal developmental mechanisms that raise the risk of anxiety and depression and point to new targets for prevention or future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal studies have shown that changing developmental cell death can alter stress-hormone signaling, but translating these results into human treatments is still unproven.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pan, Yuchin Albert — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Pan, Yuchin Albert
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.