Brain circuits that control social vocal communication
Neural Circuits for Context-Dependent Control of Vocal Communication
Researchers are using mice to learn which brain pathways let animals change their calls in different social situations to help explain speech and social-communication problems in people with autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257348 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses mouse models to map the brain pathways that control social vocal sounds and how those sounds change with context. Scientists will record brain activity with in vivo calcium imaging, temporarily silence specific neurons to see how calls change, and trace connections from the forebrain to the midbrain. They will also use whole-brain clearing and light-sheet imaging to find cell groups that produce distinct vocal categories. The goal is to link specific circuits to social vocal behaviors that resemble aspects of human communication.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism spectrum disorder who experience social-communication or vocalization difficulties are the long-term beneficiaries, although this project is basic lab work in mice and does not enroll patients.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical benefit should know this is preclinical animal research and will not provide direct treatments or immediate help.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this project could point to specific brain circuits involved in social-communication problems and guide future treatments or diagnostics for people with autism.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work has identified some midbrain-projecting hypothalamic neurons that affect courtship calls, but combining modern imaging, tracing, and neuronal silencing to map context-dependent social vocal circuits is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tschida, Katherine — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Tschida, Katherine
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.