Understanding how certain brain areas influence fear memory in the hippocampus
Official title: The role of subcortical inputs to the hippocampal CA3 region in fear memory
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10977045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain work together to shape our memories of fear, especially focusing on a key area called the CA3 region of the hippocampus, and it aims to find ways to help people with anxiety by understanding these connections better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $335,694 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH129294-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals experiencing anxiety disorders or those with heightened fear responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no history of anxiety or fear-related disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connections between the hippocampus and specific subcortical brain areas to understand how they affect fear memory. The study focuses on the CA3 region of the hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in contextual learning. By examining how inputs from the basolateral amygdala and supramammillary nucleus influence the activity of CA3 neurons, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could enhance or suppress fear responses. Patients may benefit from insights gained about fear memory processing and potential therapeutic targets for anxiety-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for anxiety and fear-related disorders by targeting specific brain pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of subcortical inputs in memory processing, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Qian — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Sun, Qian
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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.