Understanding PTSD through brain analysis after death
Official title: 2/3 Understanding PTSD through Postmortem Targeted Brain Multi-omics
Funded at Lieber Institute, INC. · NIH-11131738 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the brains of people with PTSD and depression to understand why some folks struggle with PTSD after a traumatic event while others bounce back, and it’s for anyone interested in how our brains might be different when it comes to these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lieber Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2018 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $897,129 |
| NIH project number | 2R01MH117291-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131738 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced trauma and have been diagnosed with PTSD or MDD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced trauma or do not have PTSD or MDD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neurobiological differences between individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) by analyzing postmortem brain tissues. The study involves a collaborative effort across three sites, where researchers will examine specific brain regions known to be associated with PTSD risk. By utilizing advanced techniques such as DNA genotyping and methylation analysis, the research aims to uncover the underlying biological factors that contribute to PTSD susceptibility. This could provide insights into why some individuals develop chronic PTSD after trauma while others recover.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals suffering from PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding psychiatric disorders through postmortem brain studies, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Lieber Institute, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kleinman, Joel Edward — Lieber Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Kleinman, Joel Edward
Related research
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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.