How delta-catenin affects social interactions
The roles of delta-catenin in social behavior
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11243515
This work looks at how changes in a brain protein called delta-catenin affect social interaction, which could help people with autism and related social difficulties.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11243515 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use laboratory and mouse experiments to see how loss or alteration of delta-catenin changes synapses and AMPA receptor function in the brain areas that control social behavior. They will measure how these changes affect the balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition in the medial prefrontal cortex and observe resulting social behaviors in mice. The team links this lab work to human biology because mutations in the delta-catenin gene have been found in some families with autism. While the project is mainly lab-based, the findings aim to point to biological mechanisms that could guide future patient-facing tests or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The project does not currently enroll people, but its findings are most relevant to adults with autism spectrum disorder or ongoing social behavior difficulties.
Not a fit: People without social behavior problems or those seeking an immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify biological targets that lead to new treatments or diagnostics for social impairments such as those seen in autism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and animal studies have connected delta-catenin to synapse function and social behavior, but translating those findings into human therapies is still new.
Where this research is happening
FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES
- COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY — FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KIM, SEONIL — COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KIM, SEONIL
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.