How the front part of the brain controls protein production in emotional memories
Prefrontal pathway-specific modulation of protein synthesis in emotional memories
Researchers are looking at how specific prefrontal brain pathways change protein-making during the formation of fear-related memories, with the goal of helping people with PTSD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11229609 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models of threat learning to map which brain connections require new protein production after scary events. Scientists will manipulate two key protein-making mechanisms (eIF2 and eIF4E) in prefrontal-to-amygdala pathways and observe how threat intensity and voluntary control change memory consolidation. They will combine behavioral tests with molecular measurements to pinpoint when and where proteins are made during memory formation. Findings are meant to reveal specific circuit and molecular targets that could guide future PTSD therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with post-traumatic stress disorder or people who have persistent, distressing memories after trauma would be the eventual beneficiaries and potential candidates for follow-up clinical work.
Not a fit: People without trauma-related symptoms or those seeking immediate treatment options are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify brain-pathway and protein-synthesis targets for new treatments that reduce overly strong or persistent fear memories in PTSD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies show that altering protein-synthesis pathways can change the strength of fear memories, but translating those findings into effective human PTSD treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shrestha, Prerana — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Shrestha, Prerana
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.