Understanding how fear memories are formed and stored in the brain
Official title: The role of sex- and cell-type specific protein degradation increases in the amygdala in fear memory formation
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11220791 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains create and store fear memories, especially in people with PTSD, and it wants to see if there are differences between men and women, so we can find better ways to help those who are struggling with these memories.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 1, 2020 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $79,633 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH122414-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11220791 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of trauma or PTSD, particularly those who identify as female.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of trauma or PTSD may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological mechanisms behind fear memory formation, particularly focusing on the role of protein degradation in the amygdala, a key brain region for emotional processing. It aims to explore how these processes differ between males and females, especially in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By examining the ubiquitin-proteasome system's involvement in fear memory, the study seeks to identify potential targets for improving treatments for PTSD. Patients may be asked to participate in assessments that help understand their fear responses and memory formation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for PTSD, particularly for those who are more susceptible based on sex.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of protein degradation in memory formation, but this specific focus on sex differences in PTSD is relatively novel.
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
Related research
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A study in people or animals will look at how sleep helps the amygdala store fear memories by using advanced brain imaging and genetic tools to understand memory changes.
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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.