Understanding how breathing changes with emotions and behaviors

Unraveling a parabrachial circuit for the state-dependent control of rapid breathing

NIH-funded research Seattle Children's Hospital · NIH-11001465

This study is looking at how our breathing changes when we feel different emotions, using specially modified mice to find out which parts of the brain control fast breathing during these feelings, and it could help us understand how our emotions affect our bodies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSeattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11001465 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how breathing patterns can change based on emotional and behavioral states, particularly in awake animals. By using advanced techniques in genetically modified mice, the study aims to identify specific neural circuits in the brain that control rapid breathing during different emotional conditions. The researchers will employ tools like optogenetics to manipulate these circuits and observe their effects on breathing. This approach could provide insights into the complex relationship between our emotions and physiological responses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect breathing, particularly those influenced by anxiety or emotional stress.

Not a fit: Patients with stable respiratory conditions that are not affected by emotional or behavioral changes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for breathing disorders linked to emotional states, improving patient quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the neural control of breathing, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.