Understanding how the brain helps cope with threats
Official title: Basal ganglia circuit mechanisms for threat coping
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-11078328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brains of mice help them deal with scary situations, which could help us understand anxiety and PTSD in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $573,738 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133950-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078328 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have anxiety-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms involved in how animals cope with potential threats, focusing on a specific area called the posterior tail of the striatum. By using a unique task where mice encounter a simulated threat while searching for rewards, the study aims to understand the different stages of threat response and how certain brain cells influence avoidance behavior. The research will explore how these neural circuits function and how they may relate to anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder in humans. The findings could provide insights into the biological basis of coping mechanisms and maladaptive behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for anxiety disorders and improve coping strategies for individuals facing threats.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding brain mechanisms related to threat response, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Uchida, Naoshige — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Uchida, Naoshige
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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.