Understanding how fear memories are formed and stored in the brain
Official title: Behavioral, molecular and sex-specific mechanisms of indirectly learned fear memory
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10747408 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how fear memories are created and stored differently in males and females, especially for those who have experienced trauma, like in PTSD, using rodent models to find new ways to help treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | December 2, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $235,161 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH131587-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10747408 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced trauma or have PTSD, especially those who may have developed symptoms through witnessing traumatic events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or anxiety disorders, or those who have not experienced any form of trauma, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind fear memory formation and storage, particularly focusing on how these processes differ between males and females. It aims to explore both directly experienced and indirectly learned fear memories, especially in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By using rodent models, the study examines how witnessing a traumatic event can lead to the development of fear memories, which may help identify new treatment targets for PTSD. The research employs behavioral and molecular techniques to uncover the underlying neurobiological processes involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for PTSD and anxiety disorders, particularly for those who develop symptoms through indirect experiences.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on directly experienced trauma, the exploration of indirectly learned fear memories is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jarome, Timothy Joseph — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Jarome, Timothy Joseph
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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.