Targeting brain stress pathways to reduce blood pressure and heart risk
Interrogating stress-relieving neural circuits to alleviate cardiovascular disease
Researchers are using mouse models to see if manipulating brain cells that relieve stress can lower blood pressure and help people with high blood pressure or heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237176 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses genetically modified mice and modern neuroscience tools to switch on or off specific neurons in brain regions that shape how stress is perceived. The team focuses on neurons that carry angiotensin-related receptors and measures effects on blood pressure, heart rate, stress hormone levels, and anxiety-like behavior. By mapping which circuits blunt stress-linked cardiovascular responses, they aim to find biological targets that could lead to new treatments for people. Because the experiments are done in mice, any patient therapies would require further testing in human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with high blood pressure, stress-exacerbated heart conditions, or at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease would be the eventual candidates for therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cardiovascular problems are unrelated to stress mechanisms or who need immediate established medical treatments may not see direct benefit from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk by targeting brain circuits that control stress.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal work by the team showed that activating neurons with AT2R and MasR receptors can lower blood pressure and stress hormones, but translating that success to people has not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Georgia State University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krause, Eric Gerald — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Krause, Eric Gerald
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.