Targeting a protein to help treat PTSD
Official title: Controlling FKBP51 for the treatment of PTSD
Funded at James a. Haley VA Medical Center · NIH-10914542 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called FKBP51 might be linked to PTSD, especially in veterans, and aims to find new treatments that lower this protein to help manage stress and PTSD symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James a. Haley VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2019 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 2I01BX004626-05A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914542 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include veterans and individuals with PTSD, particularly those with the rs1360780 genetic variant associated with higher FKBP51 expression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PTSD or those who do not carry the rs1360780 genetic variant may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, FKBP51, in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related neuropsychiatric conditions. It focuses on individuals, particularly veterans, who may have a genetic predisposition to these disorders due to a common genetic variation. The study aims to develop new treatments that reduce FKBP51 levels using a technique called antisense oligonucleotides, and it will utilize mouse models to understand how changes in FKBP51 affect stress responses and PTSD symptoms. By measuring the effects of these treatments, the research seeks to validate FKBP51 as a therapeutic target.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate PTSD symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting FKBP51 for therapeutic purposes, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
James a. Haley VA Medical Center
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blair, Laura J — James a. Haley VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Blair, Laura J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how PTSD affects self-control and brain function
Researchers are studying how PTSD changes the brain’s control over thoughts and actions, and how this might affect Veterans’ daily lives and responses to treatment.
-
Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
A study testing whether ketamine can help people with PTSD better relearn and forget fear when given in a guided treatment plan.
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Treating PTSD and opioid use disorder in residential care with Written Exposure Therapy (WEST)
A short, patient-friendly plan to adapt a proven PTSD therapy for people with opioid use disorder in residential treatment and test its practicality and impact.
-
Dynamic PTSD-Related Cognitive Risk in Aging WTC Responders
This project follows World Trade Center responders as they age to understand how PTSD symptoms relate to changes in thinking skills over time.
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Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
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Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Veterans with Social Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms
A clinical trial tests whether a flexible brain-behavior therapy helps veterans with social anxiety and PTSD symptoms feel better and engage more in daily life.
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.