Understanding how certain brain neurons control stress responses and feeding behavior
Official title: The direct regulation of feeding-driving hypothalamic GABAergic neurons on stress responses
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10993101 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that control stress and hunger work together, which could help us find new ways to treat stress-related issues like PTSD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,900 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH133228-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993101 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing stress-related mental disorders, such as PTSD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-stress-related mental health issues or those not experiencing significant stress responses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific neurons in the hypothalamus that regulate stress responses and feeding behavior. By examining the interactions between GABAergic neurons and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that trigger and modulate stress responses. The approach involves detailed neurophysiological techniques to observe how these neurons communicate and influence each other during stress. This understanding could lead to the development of new therapies for stress-related mental disorders like PTSD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for stress-related mental disorders, improving the quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of stress responses, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Yuanzhong — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Xu, Yuanzhong
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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.