Understanding how stress affects brain cells that regulate hormone release
Official title: Mechanisms and significance of programmed cell death in hypothalamic CRH neurons
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10954713 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in zebrafish help control how our bodies react to stress, which could help us understand more about stress-related issues like anxiety and depression.
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 | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $340,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131820-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954713 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing stress-related disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stress-related disorders that do not involve the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific neurons in the hypothalamus that control the body's response to stress. By studying zebrafish, which are transparent and genetically manipulable, the researchers aim to uncover how these neurons develop and how their death affects stress responses. The study focuses on the interactions between these neurons and how they may influence the release of stress hormones like cortisol. This could lead to insights into stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for stress-related disorders by targeting the mechanisms that regulate stress hormone release.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using zebrafish models to study neuroendocrine functions, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pan, Yuchin Albert — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Pan, Yuchin Albert
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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.