Understanding how fear memories are formed and stored in the brain
Acquisition and Consolidation of Contextual Fear Memory in Engram Cell Pathways
This study is looking at how our brains learn to feel fear in scary situations, especially to help people with PTSD, by figuring out how different parts of the brain work together to remember these experiences and find ways to make those memories less overwhelming.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10745743 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms behind how animals develop fear responses to dangerous situations, focusing on how specific contextual fear memories are encoded and consolidated in the brain. By studying the interactions between the hippocampus, neocortex, and amygdala, the research aims to uncover the pathways that strengthen or weaken these memories. The goal is to identify strategies that could help prevent the development of maladaptive fear responses, particularly in conditions like PTSD. This could lead to new treatments that improve emotional regulation and reduce the impact of traumatic memories.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced trauma and are suffering from PTSD or related anxiety disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of trauma or do not experience fear-related disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that help individuals with PTSD manage their fear responses more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding fear memory mechanisms, but this study aims to explore novel pathways that have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Riverside, United States
- University of California Riverside — Riverside, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cho, Jun-Hyeong — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Cho, Jun-Hyeong
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 below.