Understanding how the brain processes fear and avoidance in anxiety disorders
Official title: Predicting maladaptive aversive learning via computational modeling of insular single cell ensemble activity patterns
Funded at Rowan University School/osteopathic Med · NIH-10805511 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains learn to feel fear and how that might be connected to anxiety disorders, with the hope of finding better ways to help people who struggle with conditions like PTSD and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rowan University School/osteopathic Med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stratford, United States) |
| Project start | March 8, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $237,803 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH132052-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10805511 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety disorders such as PTSD, panic disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with anxiety disorders who do not respond to traditional treatments or those with other unrelated mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms involved in aversive learning, particularly focusing on the insula, a brain region linked to anxiety disorders. By using advanced imaging techniques to observe single cell activity in the insula, the study aims to understand how fear memories are formed and how they can be extinguished or avoided. The research will analyze brain activity patterns during different fear learning scenarios, which could lead to insights into why some individuals struggle with anxiety disorders. Ultimately, the goal is to develop better treatments for conditions like PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders by providing insights into how fear responses can be managed.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding aversive learning and fear extinction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rowan University School/osteopathic Med
Stratford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kutlu, Munir Gunes — Rowan University School/osteopathic Med
- Study coordinator: Kutlu, Munir Gunes
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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.