Understanding how the nervous system responds to sudden sounds
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Acoustic Startle Threshold Regulation
This study is looking at how young zebrafish react to sounds that might be scary or safe, which could help us understand why some people with conditions like autism and anxiety are more sensitive to loud noises.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11056018 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the nervous system differentiates between dangerous and harmless sounds, focusing on the acoustic startle response. By using larval zebrafish, the study aims to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate this response, which is crucial for filtering sensory information. The researchers will explore genetic and neural circuit pathways to better understand conditions like autism and anxiety, where startle sensitivity is often heightened. This approach could lead to new insights into the biological underpinnings of these neuropsychiatric disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, or other conditions characterized by startle hypersensitivity.
Not a fit: Patients without neuropsychiatric disorders or those not experiencing startle sensitivity may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with heightened startle responses associated with neuropsychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach using zebrafish is relatively novel, similar studies have successfully identified biological mechanisms related to sensory processing in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
Raleigh, United States
- North Carolina State University Raleigh — Raleigh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marsden, Kurt C. — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Marsden, Kurt C.
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.