Investigating how stress affects brain cells and their energy use
Official title: Role of neuronal hemoglobin in chronic stress-induced mitochondrial adaptation in hippocampal PV interneurons
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10817959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term stress affects certain brain cells that help keep our minds healthy, and it’s testing whether a specific blood pressure medication can help these cells cope better with stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS130250-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic stress or related mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic stress or have no related mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of chronic stress on specific brain cells known as parvalbumin interneurons, which play a crucial role in regulating brain function and mental health. The study aims to understand how these neurons adapt to stress by examining the role of hemoglobin within them and how it influences their energy production. By using a model of chronic social defeat stress, researchers will investigate the effects of an antihypertensive drug on these neurons and their response to stress. This research could provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying stress-related disorders and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for stress-related mental health conditions by targeting specific brain cell functions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neuronal adaptations in stress, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Yong — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kim, Yong
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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.