Investigating how stress affects eating behavior through brain circuitry
Official title: BNST circuitry to hypothalamic regions in stress-induced avoidance
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-10837000 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress might make people avoid eating, which could be linked to conditions like PTSD, by using mice to understand how certain parts of the brain are involved in this behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 16, 2023 |
| Project end | August 15, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,422 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH132322-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10837000 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing stress-related eating issues or symptoms of anxiety and PTSD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience stress-related eating behaviors or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how stress can lead to behavioral changes, particularly avoidance of food, which may contribute to psychiatric conditions like PTSD. Using a mouse model, the study examines the role of specific brain regions, particularly the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and its connections to hypothalamic areas that regulate feeding and stress responses. By analyzing neural activity and synaptic connections, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind stress-induced avoidance behaviors. This could provide insights into how similar processes might occur in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating stress-related eating disorders and improving mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding the neural mechanisms of stress and behavior, making this approach promising but still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ly, Annie — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Ly, Annie
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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.