Understanding how brain circuits regulate emotions and anxiety
Official title: Cholinergic regulation of amygdalar circuits in emotional memory
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11062471 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called acetylcholine affects the areas of the brain that control our emotions, especially when it comes to anxiety and fear, to help find new ways to treat these feelings for people who struggle with anxiety disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | June 7, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $573,551 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131808-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062471 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience anxiety or fear-related disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with anxiety disorders who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of acetylcholine in the brain circuits that control emotions, particularly focusing on the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. By studying how these areas communicate and synchronize during emotional responses, the research aims to uncover the neurobiological mechanisms behind anxiety and fear disorders. The approach involves examining neuronal oscillations and their impact on emotional learning and behavior, which could lead to the development of new therapies for anxiety disorders. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how their emotional responses are regulated at a biological level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for anxiety disorders that are more effective than current options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of neurotransmitters in emotional regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mott, David D — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Mott, David D
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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.