Investigating how brain channels affect social behavior and mental health
Official title: Role of hippocampal HCN Channels in social avoidance
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11136527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain channels in a part of the brain called the hippocampus affect social behavior and mental health, especially when dealing with stress, and it’s using mice to see how these channels work differently in males and females, which could help us understand and improve treatments for anxiety and depression in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $334,884 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134958-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety or depression related to social stress or bullying.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience social stress or related mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of specific brain channels in the hippocampus that may influence social behavior and mental health outcomes, particularly in response to social stress. Using mouse models, the study examines how these channels differ between male and female subjects and how they relate to anxiety, depression, and social avoidance. The research aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind these behaviors, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of mental health issues in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for anxiety and depression, particularly in individuals affected by social stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of brain channels in mental health, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Chung Sub — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Chung Sub
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.