OCD research points to problems within a network of brain regions involved in decision-making, habits, and behavioral control. Genes help control how these brain regions develop and function, but most past studies have examined the brain or genetics in broad ways, making it difficult to understand how specific gene changes in specific regions actually drive symptoms. This lack of biological understanding limits our ability to develop OCD treatments that are effective for everyone.

This two-part project will focus on how gene-driven biology within individual brain regions contributes to OCD-related behavior using a reverse-translational approach that connects human brain biology with deeper studies in animal models. The first part will use an animal model to test how changing specific genes within particular brain regions affects behavior and brain structure. It will also examine how connections between brain cells are altered, linking gene-level changes to brain function and behavior. The second part will study donated human brain tissue from individuals with and without OCD to measure levels of proteins made by key genes in the same brain regions studied in animals. This will test whether patterns observed in animal experiments are also present in the human brain, and whether they are specific to OCD or shared across conditions.

Beyond the lab, this project incorporates lived-experience collaboration and accessible science communication to increase understanding of OCD, reduce stigma and misdiagnosis, and communicate why OCD research matters. By combining gene-level brain science, human data, lived experience, and large-scale awareness, this project aims to advance understanding of OCD while changing how it is recognized, discussed, and treated.