Understanding how stress affects brain cells and behavior
Norepinephrine-sensing habenular microglia and stress-related behaviors
This study is looking at how stress affects certain brain cells and their connection to feelings of anxiety and depression, with the hope of finding new ways to understand and help people dealing with stress-related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11068748 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, a type of brain cell, in how stress influences the activity of neurons in the lateral habenula, a brain region linked to anxiety and depression. By studying how norepinephrine, a stress-related chemical, affects these microglia, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to stress-related behavioral changes. The approach includes advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze cellular responses in animal models. The ultimate goal is to better understand the biological underpinnings of stress-related disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who experience anxiety or depression related to stress.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience stress-related behavioral issues or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for anxiety and depression by targeting the interactions between stress, microglia, and neuronal activity.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microglia in stress responses, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Corona, Alberto — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Corona, Alberto
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 below.