Understanding how astrocytes control brain responses to stress and fear
Official title: Control of ETV1 transcriptional networks in amygdalar astrocytes
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10993145 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special brain cells called astrocytes help control fear and stress responses in the amygdala, and it aims to find new ways to help people with anxiety and stress-related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $369,631 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132632-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993145 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety or stress-related disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those not experiencing anxiety or stress-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, in regulating neural activity in the amygdala, which is crucial for processing fear and stress responses. The study employs a novel genetic screening method called SPEAC-seq to explore how astrocytes interact with other brain cells and manage inflammatory signals that can heighten fear responses. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover new pathways that could be targeted for therapeutic interventions in anxiety and stress-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for anxiety and stress-related conditions by targeting the interactions between astrocytes and other brain cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of glial cells in brain function, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wheeler, Michael Alex — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wheeler, Michael Alex
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.