Investigating how chronic stress affects behavior and brain function in mice

Digital behavioral phenotyping and multi-region electrophysiology to determine behavioral and neural network changes underlying the stress response in mice

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11045085

This study is looking at how long-term stress affects the behavior and brain function of mice, which could help us understand similar issues in people with depression, and it will track different behaviors and brain changes to find clues about how stress impacts us.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11045085 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the impact of chronic psychological stress on behavior and brain function in mice, which can provide insights relevant to human mental health conditions like major depressive disorder. Using a novel system called the 'Digital Homecage', researchers will monitor over 50 behavioral measures in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable stress. The study aims to understand how stress influences various behaviors and physiological changes over time, and to identify potential biomarkers for stress responses. Additionally, the research will examine the electrophysiological changes in the brain associated with chronic stress.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research are individuals suffering from stress-related conditions such as major depressive disorder or anxiety disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with acute stress responses or those not experiencing chronic psychological stress may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for stress-related psychiatric disorders in humans.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding stress responses in animal models, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anxiety Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.