Understanding how fear spreads in the brain during adolescence
Official title: Identifying the neural ensembles mediating fear generalization during adolescence
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10800759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how fear can spread and affect young people during their teenage years, which might lead to anxiety and PTSD, by observing how mice react to fear in different situations, and it hopes to uncover important brain pathways that could help us understand and treat anxiety in adolescents better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $160,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH133107-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10800759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who may be experiencing anxiety or related mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12-20 or those not experiencing anxiety disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fear can become generalized during adolescence, which can lead to anxiety disorders and PTSD. By using a behavioral test in mice, researchers will observe how these animals respond to fear in different contexts over a period of time. The study aims to identify specific neural pathways involved in this process, particularly focusing on differences between male and female adolescents. The findings could help in understanding the biological basis of fear responses in young people and inform future treatments for anxiety-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for anxiety disorders in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding fear responses in animal models, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Denny, Christine Ann — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Denny, Christine Ann
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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.