Understanding how sex differences affect fear extinction in PTSD
Official title: Sexually dimorphic CNTF/Ucn3 mechanism in fear extinction
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-10738916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fear can be unlearned in people with PTSD, especially why women might react differently than men to treatments, by using animal models to explore a specific brain factor that could help improve therapy for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $412,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH131980-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10738916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults, particularly women, who have experienced trauma and may be suffering from PTSD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or have not experienced trauma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind fear extinction, particularly in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), focusing on how these mechanisms differ between males and females. Using rodent models, the study examines the role of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in the medial amygdala and its impact on stress responses and fear extinction learning. The research aims to uncover why women, who are more likely to develop PTSD, respond differently to exposure therapy compared to men. By identifying these sex-specific biological factors, the study hopes to improve therapeutic strategies for PTSD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for PTSD, particularly tailored to the needs of women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sex differences in PTSD treatment, but this specific approach focusing on CNTF is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jia, Cuihong — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Jia, Cuihong
Related research
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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.