Understanding how fear circuits in the brain respond to real-world risks in rodents.
Official title: Neural Dynamics of Fear Circuits in Ecological Rodent Models of Risk and Trauma
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11101070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brains of rodents react to fear to help us understand how fear and anxiety develop in people, with the hope of finding better ways to treat these feelings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $618,863 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH139585-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with anxiety disorders or those who have experienced trauma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have anxiety-related disorders or have not experienced trauma may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural dynamics of fear circuits in rodents to better understand how fear and anxiety-related disorders develop in humans. By using a unique experimental setup that mimics real-life threats, the study aims to explore how the brain processes danger signals and influences decision-making. The researchers will focus on the amygdala and its connections to other brain regions involved in fear responses, examining both the anatomical and functional aspects of these pathways. This approach could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying fear and anxiety, potentially leading to improved treatments for these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for individuals suffering from anxiety-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to study fear and anxiety, indicating that this approach is both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Jeansok John — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Kim, Jeansok John
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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.