Project Summary

Michael J. Owens, Ph.D. (Independent Investigator 2000) of Emory University, will examine the role of different receptors for corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in regulating the stress response. Previous work has shown that CRF appears to control many physiological and behavioral responses to stressful situations. In addition, some depressed patients have overactive CRF systems. Dr. Owens will use viral particles that have been modified to selectively increase or decrease the synthesis of the CRF-2A receptor and urocortin (a neurotransmitter related to CRF) in the brain. Specifically, he will determine whether increases in function of CRF-2A and urocortin are responsible for the effects observed following administration of anti-stress/anti-anxiety medications. If they are important in mediating stress and anxiety effects of these medications, then these might be ideal targets for new types of medications.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS AREAS\Mood Disorders/Anxiety Disorders

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