Understanding brain pathways in depression and anxiety
Roles of nuleus accumbens CREB and Kappa function in depression
This research explores how certain brain systems change with stress and affect mood and anxiety, hoping to find new ways to help people with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168793 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our team has spent 20 years learning how two brain systems, called CREB and kappa-opioid receptors (KORs), in a specific brain area called the nucleus accumbens, are affected by stress and influence behavior. We've found that stress can increase activity in these systems, leading to symptoms similar to mood and anxiety disorders. Importantly, blocking KORs or changing CREB activity can have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. We are now working to understand these systems even better, including their role in sleep and daily rhythms, and how they respond to different types of stress, using methods that closely match how we study these conditions in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research in animal models is not directly recruiting patients, but future clinical trials based on these findings would seek individuals experiencing depression or anxiety.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing depression or anxiety, or those whose conditions are not related to the brain systems being studied, may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for depression and anxiety by targeting specific brain pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Our previous work has already provided the basis for clinical trials of KOR antagonists for depression, which are showing promising results.
Where this research is happening
Belmont, United States
- Mclean Hospital — Belmont, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carlezon, William a. — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Carlezon, William a.
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.