How a wild mouse's brain affects its exploration behavior during adolescence
Official title: Tail of the striatum and regulation of exploratory behavior in a wild mouse
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-10865022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brains of young mice change during their teenage years and how that affects their curiosity and willingness to explore, helping us understand more about how brain development influences behavior in both mice and people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $200,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA059242-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10865022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be adolescents aged 12-20 who are experiencing behavioral challenges or developmental concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the adolescent age range or who do not exhibit behavioral challenges may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in the brain during adolescence influence exploratory behavior in a wild species of mouse. By breeding Mus spicilegus in a controlled laboratory setting, researchers will compare the behaviors of mice born in different seasons, which experience varying developmental timelines. The study focuses on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms that regulate exploration and risk-taking, which are critical milestones in adolescent development. Insights gained from this research could help clarify the relationship between brain development and behavior in both animals and humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into adolescent behavior and its neurobiological underpinnings, potentially informing interventions for behavioral issues in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: While this research explores a novel approach using a wild mouse model, similar studies in domesticated animals have shown promising results in understanding adolescent behavior.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilbrecht, Linda E — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Wilbrecht, Linda E
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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.