Investigating how androgen receptors affect brain activity related to depression
Official title: Circuit-specific androgen receptor regulation of hippocampal neuronal excitability
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11079486 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how differences between men and women might affect depression, especially focusing on how certain brain receptors respond to stress, to help find better treatments for people who struggle with major depressive disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2024 |
| Project end | November 15, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $23,195 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH134532-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079486 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who experience symptoms of major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have major depressive disorder or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms behind major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly how sex differences influence the condition. It examines the role of androgen receptors in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in mood regulation, and how these receptors affect neuronal excitability in response to stress. By studying both male and female mice, the research aims to uncover why women are more susceptible to MDD and how hormonal factors may contribute to this vulnerability. The findings could lead to new treatment strategies for those who do not respond to current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for major depressive disorder, particularly for women who are disproportionately affected.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on the role of androgen receptors in mood disorders, this specific investigation into sex differences and circuit-specific mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sugimoto, Chiho — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Sugimoto, Chiho
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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.