How the Cdk5 gene affects memory and emotions
Epigenetic regulation of Cdk5 in cognition and emotion
Seeing if changing chemical tags on the Cdk5 gene in brain cells can alter memory, fear, and reward-related behaviors tied to stress and addiction.
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-11226582 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mice to study how stress and drug exposure change chemical tags (epigenetic marks) at the Cdk5 gene and how those changes affect memory, fear, and reward behaviors. Researchers use locus-specific epigenetic editing to mimic or reverse those natural changes without turning the gene fully off or on. They test animals in behavioral tasks like fear conditioning and reward-seeking and examine specific brain regions and cell types across the corticostriatal-limbic circuit. The goal is to link precise gene regulatory changes to behavioral outcomes in models relevant to mood disorders and addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is preclinical work done in mice and does not enroll human patients.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate new treatments for current mood or addiction symptoms would not benefit directly because this is basic animal research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to treat mood disorders or addiction by targeting gene-regulation mechanisms rather than only protein activity.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown that stress and cocaine change Cdk5 expression in mouse brain, but using locus-specific epigenetic editing to causally link those changes to behavior is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heller, Elizabeth a — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Heller, Elizabeth a
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.