Investigating how inflammation affects motivation and movement in depression
Official title: JAK Signaling as a Mechanism of Inflammation-related Reward and Motor Circuit Deficits in Depression
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11121381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation might affect motivation and movement in people with major depression, and it will test a medication called baricitinib to see if it helps those who haven't found relief with regular antidepressants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $704,271 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH140180-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11121381 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with major depression, particularly those exhibiting symptoms of anhedonia and elevated inflammatory markers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with major depression who do not have elevated inflammatory markers or those who respond well to conventional antidepressant therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of inflammation in major depression, specifically how it impacts brain circuits responsible for motivation and motor activity. The study will utilize a FDA-approved JAK inhibitor, baricitinib, to assess its effects on patients with major depression who may not respond to traditional antidepressants. By examining biomarkers of inflammation and their relationship to symptoms like anhedonia and psychomotor slowing, the research aims to uncover new treatment pathways. Patients will be monitored for changes in behavior and brain activity as part of this innovative approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with major depression who do not respond to existing therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting inflammation as a mechanism for improving treatment outcomes in depression, suggesting that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Felger, Jennifer C — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Felger, Jennifer C
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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.