How a specific gene affects maternal behavior in mammals
Official title: Trpc5-activated neural circuits and maternal behavior
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10982093 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene called TRPC5 affects how mother mice care for their babies, which could help us understand similar issues in humans, especially for those who might struggle with bonding and nurturing their children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $524,037 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD114146-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10982093 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include women experiencing difficulties with maternal bonding or related behavioral issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not mothers or do not have any maternal bonding concerns may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the TRPC5 gene in regulating maternal behavior, particularly in female mammals. Using a CRISPR-Cas9 approach, researchers have created a mouse model that mimics a human mutation linked to impaired maternal bonding. The study aims to understand how this gene influences behaviors such as nursing and caring for offspring by activating specific neurons in the brain. By exploring these neurobiological mechanisms, the research seeks to shed light on the importance of maternal care for the health of both mothers and their young.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of maternal bonding issues in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding genetic influences on behavior, making this approach promising yet still novel in the context of maternal behavior.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Yong — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Xu, Yong
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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.