When and how emotional brain circuits in the basal forebrain are built
Temporal Specification of Basal Forebrain Circuitry
['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11305211
Researchers are looking at how genes and early developmental timing shape emotional brain circuits that are linked to bipolar disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11305211 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Scientists will map different neuron types in the septal regions of the basal forebrain and study when those cells are born and how they connect to other mood-related brain areas. They will use lab models (such as mice), gene-editing tools like CRISPR, and neural tracing methods to test which genes control timing and specialization of these neurons. The team will relate circuit features to behaviors tied to stress, anxiety, and social interaction to better understand links to bipolar disorder and related conditions. The goal is to reveal molecular pathways that could inform future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with bipolar disorder, major depression, or anxiety disorders are the patient groups most likely to benefit from findings and any future therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment benefits, those with non-psychiatric neurological conditions, or those not participating in lab-based or tissue-donation research are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets that lead to better treatments for mood, anxiety, and social symptoms in bipolar disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and circuit-mapping studies have linked septal regions to anxiety and social behavior and gene-editing has been useful, but applying developmental timing to mood disorders is a relatively new and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HARWELL, COREY C — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: HARWELL, COREY 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.
Conditions: Bipolar Disorder