Investigating how a specific brain region affects anxiety and stress responses
Official title: Intrinsic CRF signaling within the lateral habenula
Funded at Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · NIH-10799660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain signals affect anxiety and depression, using mice to see how different brain cells work in both male and female mice, which could help us find better treatments for anxiety disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | March 2, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $189,828 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH132136-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10799660 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals experiencing anxiety disorders or related mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with anxiety disorders that are not influenced by CRF signaling or those with other unrelated psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling in the lateral habenula, a brain region involved in regulating anxiety and depression. By using advanced techniques such as mouse genetics and optogenetics, the study aims to explore how specific neurons in this area influence behaviors related to anxiety in both male and female mice. The research will help identify the mechanisms behind stress responses and how they may differ between sexes, potentially leading to targeted treatments for anxiety disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating anxiety and depression, particularly in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding CRF signaling in anxiety, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nugent, Fereshteh S — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
- Study coordinator: Nugent, Fereshteh S
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.