Brain circuits that control aggression
Deconstruction of a Neural Circuit for Aggression
['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11285324
Researchers are mapping brain cells and circuits in mice that decide when and toward whom aggression is directed to help explain misdirected aggression seen in conditions like bipolar disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11285324 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses mice to find the specific brain cells and pathways—especially in the amygdala—that let animals learn social ranks and choose when to attack. Scientists will combine detailed behavior tests with two-photon imaging and targeted manipulation to watch and change neuron activity during social encounters. They will examine how animals recognize opponents and use that social information to aim aggression appropriately. Although the work is in animals, the goal is to reveal brain mechanisms that may underlie harmful misdirected aggression in people with disorders like bipolar disorder.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with bipolar disorder who experience problematic or misdirected aggression might be interested in these findings or in future related clinical research.
Not a fit: Patients without problems with aggression or whose symptoms are unrelated to social or impulsive behavior are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic animal research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to brain targets for new treatments to reduce harmful misdirected aggression in psychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal research has linked the amygdala and other brain regions to aggression, but this project applies newer imaging and manipulation techniques to map circuits in much greater detail.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIN, DAYU — NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: LIN, DAYU
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 below.
Conditions: Bipolar Disorder