Brain circuits that control aggression
Official title: Deconstruction of a Neural Circuit for Aggression
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11285324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2013 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $746,458 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH101377-14 |
| Project ID | NIH-11285324 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with bipolar disorder who experience problematic or misdirected aggression might be interested in these findings or in future related clinical research.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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 University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Dayu — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lin, Dayu
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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.