Understanding how brain signals control fear extinction in PTSD
Official title: Molecular mechanisms underlying sub-thalamic influences on extinction learning
Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-11332900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how brain signals influence the way people stop fearing things that aren’t dangerous anymore, with the goal of helping those with PTSD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $746,047 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134873-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with PTSD or trauma-related fear may benefit from advances in extinction-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
If PTSD is not present or extinction learning mechanisms are not targeted, individuals may not experience direct benefits.
What this research studies
This project looks at the brain mechanisms that govern extinction learning, the process by which fear memories lose their grip. By focusing on molecular and cellular processes in neural circuits and the role of dopamine, the team hopes to uncover why extinction learning is impaired in PTSD. The work combines knowledge from brain biology with behavioral insights to inform better treatment approaches that go beyond standard therapies. If successful, findings could guide new therapies that help patients relearn safety more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: New insights could lead to more effective treatments for PTSD by enhancing extinction learning and reducing debilitating fear.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows that targeted brain mechanisms and dopamine signaling influence extinction learning, suggesting potential for meaningful progress.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dias, Brian George — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Dias, Brian George
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
UMPIRE Protocol: A Urologic Plan to Protect Kidneys in Young Children with Spina Bifida
A coordinated urologic plan is being tested to preserve kidney health in young children with spina bifida by standardizing care and collecting data across multiple sites.
-
National Spina Bifida Patient Registry, Component B
This project continues collecting and sharing information from people with spina bifida to improve care and outcomes.
-
NEUROG3's role in forming pancreatic progenitor cells
Researchers are studying how a NEUROG3 gene flaw in patient-derived stem cells affects the development of pancreas cells that can later become insulin-producing cells.
-
Point-of-care brain MRI for kids with head injuries
A fast, bedside MRI test using a portable low-field machine for children with head trauma to help doctors decide next steps without exposing them to radiation.
-
Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Clinical Site for Precision Sepsis Care
A pediatric-focused research grant exploring personalized care for kids with severe sepsis to improve outcomes.
-
Brain and Cognitive Development in kids exposed to alcohol before birth
This grant would study how prenatal alcohol exposure affects brain and thinking skills in children and teens from a South African birth cohort, using follow-up brain imaging and cognitive tests.
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.