JAK pathway linking inflammation to low motivation and slowed movement in depression
JAK Signaling as a Mechanism of Inflammation-related Reward and Motor Circuit Deficits in Depression
This project will see whether a JAK-blocking drug (baricitinib) can help reduce inflammation-related low motivation and slowed movement in people with major depression who show signs of inflammation.
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 ID | NIH-11323554 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will first check blood markers of inflammation (like CRP) to see if you qualify. Eligible participants may receive the FDA-approved JAK inhibitor baricitinib or a comparison treatment while researchers use brain scans and behavioral tests to track motivation and motor changes. The team will focus on brain circuits tied to reward and movement and will use biomarkers to target the people most likely to benefit. The goal is to link changes in inflammation and brain chemistry to improvements in anhedonia and psychomotor slowing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with major depressive disorder who have prominent loss of interest/pleasure or slowed movement and show elevated inflammatory markers (for example, high CRP) are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People whose depression does not involve elevated inflammation or who do not have symptoms of low motivation or psychomotor slowing may be unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a targeted treatment (a JAK inhibitor) to relieve anhedonia and psychomotor slowing in depressed patients with elevated inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Other anti-inflammatory approaches for depression have produced mixed but sometimes promising results, while using JAK inhibitors like baricitinib for these symptoms is a newer and less-tested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Felger, Jennifer C — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Felger, Jennifer C
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 below.