Investigating how stress affects brain cell interactions
Official title: The Role of Vitronectin in Neuron-Microglia Interactions in the Context of Social Stress
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10932436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term social stress affects brain cells and their immune helpers, which could help us understand why some people develop anxiety and depression, and the findings might lead to better treatments for those conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $39,674 |
| NIH project number | 5F99NS135696-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932436 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety or depressive symptoms, particularly those with a history of chronic stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have anxiety or depressive disorders, or those without a history of chronic stress, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of chronic social stress on interactions between neurons and microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain. By examining changes in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region involved in motivation and reward, the study aims to understand how stress leads to structural changes in brain cells that may contribute to anxiety and depression. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques, including CRISPR, to analyze these interactions and their implications for mental health. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the biological mechanisms underlying stress-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating anxiety and depression by targeting the cellular interactions affected by stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microglia in stress-related disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Franco Hernandez, Daniela — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Franco Hernandez, Daniela
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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.