A cross-species investigation of individual differences in fear regulation

该项目旨在确定成纤维细胞生长因子2（FGF2）的效用，这是一种天然产生的蛋白质，作为恐惧反应个体差异的生物标志物，并作为恐惧调节的增强剂。将采用跨物种翻译方法，结合来自大鼠、健康人和临床人群的恐惧条件反射和消退研究的证据。该项目的结果预计将显示FGF2水平的自然变化如何与逆境后的恢复力相关，以及增加FGF2水平的操作如何增强恢复力。预期的结果可能会导致识别有焦虑风险的人的改进方法，以及治疗焦虑的新方法。

This project aims to determine the utility of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), a naturally produced protein, as a biomarker of individual differences in fear responses, and as an enhancer of fear regulation. A cross-species translational approach will be employed, incorporating evidence from fear conditioning and extinction studies in rats, healthy humans, and clinical populations. The outcomes of this project are expected to show how natural variations in FGF2 levels are related to resilience following adversity, and how manipulations that increase FGF2 levels can augment resilience. The intended outcomes may lead to improved ways of identifying people who are at risk of developing anxiety, and novel ways of treating anxiety.