Investigating how a specific gene affects mood and behavior
Official title: Epigenetic regulation of Cdk5 in cognition and emotion
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10953529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene called Cdk5 affects our emotions and thinking, especially when we're stressed or facing tough situations, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with depression and anxiety.
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 start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $507,376 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH126027-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953529 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals experiencing mood disorders such as depression or anxiety.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mood disorders not related to the mechanisms being studied, or those who do not respond to genetic factors, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the Cdk5 gene in regulating emotions and cognitive functions, particularly in response to stress and negative experiences. By using advanced techniques to edit the gene's expression in mice, the study aims to understand how changes in this gene can influence behavior related to fear and reward. The research will also look at how these effects may differ between males and females, providing insights into the biological mechanisms underlying mood disorders. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to new treatments for conditions like depression and anxiety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating mood disorders by targeting specific genetic mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic basis of mood disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heller, Elizabeth a — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Heller, Elizabeth a
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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.