Understanding how myelination affects the brain's response to fear in PTSD
Official title: Investigating Fear System Myelination in PTSD Using In Vivo and Post Mortem Data
Funded at Northern California Institute/res/edu · NIH-11080377 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain might be linked to the symptoms of PTSD, and it aims to find new ways to help people with this condition by examining brain tissue and using advanced imaging techniques.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern California Institute/res/edu NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 23, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $679,349 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132617-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080377 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with PTSD who are experiencing significant symptoms related to fear and anxiety.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of PTSD or those whose symptoms are not related to fear responses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in myelination, the process that insulates nerve fibers in the brain, may contribute to the symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). By examining both living and post-mortem brain tissue, the study aims to identify how myelination affects the brain's threat response network and its default mode network. The researchers will explore the relationship between myelination and brain connectivity, which could reveal new treatment targets for PTSD. This approach combines advanced imaging techniques and analysis of brain tissue to understand the underlying mechanisms of PTSD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating PTSD by targeting myelination processes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain connectivity and myelination in psychiatric disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern California Institute/res/edu
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neylan, Thomas C — Northern California Institute/res/edu
- Study coordinator: Neylan, Thomas C
Related research
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Understanding fear system wiring in PTSD and how brain myelin changes relate to symptoms
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Understanding how the brain learns to avoid fear in PTSD patients
This study is looking at how the brain helps people with PTSD learn to avoid things that scare them and how this connects to overcoming their fears, using brain scans to compare those with PTSD and those who have experienced trauma but don’t have PTSD.
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Understanding how fear is learned and remembered in PTSD
This study is looking at how people with PTSD learn to recognize and remember threats, so we can create better treatments that help them manage their fears in everyday life.
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Cholinergic Brain Pathways in PTSD and Fear Extinction
We’re studying a brain chemical system (acetylcholine and a key receptor) to understand fear learning and PTSD better, with people who’ve experienced trauma.
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.