Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying individual differences in stress vulnerability and resilience.

Our Mission

We investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying individual differences in vulnerability to stress-related psychiatric disorders and their treatment. Our goal is to advance the field of psychiatric neuroscience through a holistic investigation of neural circuits, cellular mechanisms, and molecular processes that could be harnessed to better treat or prevent stress-related psychiatric disorders. We focus specifically on how adverse experiences throughout development affect the function of neural circuits that influence stress vulnerability, cognition, and affective behavior. We strive to bridge the gap between basic neuroscience and translational psychiatry by integrating clinical research and novel drug development, and by collaborating with other laboratories world-wide.

Lab News

We're starting to understand why childhood adversity leaves it's mark

October 17, 2025
Our research findings on the role of SGK1 as a mediator of childhood adversity and stress vulnerability was featured in the New Scientist.

Read the New Scientist article on our paper here
New Paper from the Lab!

November 28, 2025
Maryam published a new paper this month in Science Advances, showing complementary roles of dorsal and ventral hippocampus in cognitive flexibility - Congrats, Maryam!

Check out the paper here!
New Paper from the Lab!

October 1, 2025
A new paper from our lab shows that the kinase, SGK1, is a crucial determinant for individual differences in stress vulnerability and resilience. Using human postmortem brain tissue, genetic modeling in large population cohorts, and mechanistic and pharmacological approaches in rodents, we show that SGK1 mediates childhood adversity effects on brain function and depression, and promises to be a new pharmacological target.

Check out the paper here!
We are looking for postdocs to work with us on the neural circuits underlying stress vulnerability and psychiatric disorders

July 22, 2024
The Anacker Lab at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) is looking for highly motivated . . .

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Anacker Lab Launches New Website

August 16, 2019
The Anacker Lab recently launched our new website, featuring information about our lab’s members, . . .

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Anacker Lab Launches New Twitter Account

November 17, 2019
We have recently launched our new Twitter account. Make sure to follow for the most up-to-date information about our lab!
Follow us here!

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