Genomic keys to juvenile aggression in kids and animals
Official title: Genomic mechanisms of violent juvenile aggression
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11380064 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using a novel animal model to uncover genomic factors that influence violent aggression in young individuals, with potential insights for understanding and preventing harmful behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $396,172 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM147207-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380064 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include youths with a history of aggressive behavior and families affected by aggression, as well as researchers interested in juvenile social behavior and genomic mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Children without aggression history and those not involved in social-behavioral research may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a new animal model to explore how genes shape juvenile aggression, focusing on how acute aggression, long-term tendencies, and consequences develop. Researchers will combine exploratory genomic approaches with known genes linked to social behavior to see how experiences of aggression affect both the aggressor and the victim across development. The work aims to connect what happens in the genome with observable aggression and its social outcomes, using multiple angles to understand mechanisms that could be relevant to humans. The findings may inform future strategies to reduce harmful aggression and improve interventions for affected youth and families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to better understanding of why some youths show aggressive behavior and guide the development of targeted interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in animal models has identified genomic factors linked to social behavior, but juvenile aggression in a developmental context remains innovative and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fischer, Eva K — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Fischer, Eva K
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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.