Investigating a receptor linked to borderline personality disorder and suicide risk
Official title: in vivo investigation of KOR as a marker of BPD and suicide related endophenotypes
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11080285 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific brain receptor might affect emotions and behaviors in people with borderline personality disorder, which can increase the risk of suicide, to help find better treatments and prevention methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $688,228 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131720-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080285 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, particularly those under 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder or those over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) in borderline personality disorder (BPD), a condition that significantly increases the risk of suicide. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques like MRI, the study aims to identify how KOR affects emotional regulation, social behavior, and impulsivity in individuals with BPD. The goal is to uncover molecular mechanisms that contribute to BPD symptoms and suicide risk, which could lead to the development of new treatments and prevention strategies. The research also considers sex differences in BPD, particularly how they influence treatment access and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that more effectively address the symptoms of BPD and reduce suicide risk.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neurobiological factors in BPD, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davis, Margaret Taylor — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Davis, Margaret Taylor
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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.