Investigating how COP1 affects brain function and mental health
Official title: Role of COP1 in dendritic spines, cognition and stress resilience
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-10747426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called COP1 helps keep brain connections healthy, which is important for thinking and mood, especially when we're stressed, and it hopes to find ways to help people with conditions like bipolar disorder and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | December 2, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $207,760 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH130902-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10747426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder or anxiety.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with psychiatric disorders not related to stress or cognitive dysfunction may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of COP1, a protein involved in regulating protein degradation, in maintaining healthy dendritic spines and synapses in the brain. It focuses on understanding how disruptions in these structures can lead to cognitive deficits and psychiatric disorders, particularly in the context of stress. By examining the connections between the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind stress-induced cognitive impairments. Patients may benefit from insights into how these biological processes relate to mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and anxiety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving mental health and resilience against stress-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of protein regulation in brain function can lead to significant advancements in treating psychiatric disorders, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ma, Xin-Ming — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Ma, Xin-Ming
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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.