Bile acid signals and social behavior in mice
Official title: Mammalian bile acid chemosensation and its role in social assessment
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11446619 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests how bile acids they smell influence social behavior in mice, aiming to understand how these chemical cues shape choices and interactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $637,244 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC023352-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446619 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable; this is a basic-science study in mice.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient benefit in this animal study.
What this research studies
In mice, researchers will explore how bile acids detected by the sense of smell affect social behavior. The project focuses on neural pathways in the accessory olfactory system to see how these chemical cues change brain activity and drive social decisions. Using advanced imaging and behavioral tests, the study will map which bile acids are detected and how they influence interactions with other mice. The work could reveal fundamental links between digestion-related chemicals and social life in mammals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new ways that gut-chemical signals influence social behavior, potentially informing treatments for social or neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests bile acids can affect behavior, but detailed neural pathways in social signaling are still being clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meeks, Julian P — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Meeks, Julian P
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.