How early brain chemistry shapes aggression and impulsivity
Developmental Origins of Aggressive and Impulsive Behavior
This work looks at how changes in dopamine and serotonin during adolescence can lead to higher aggression and impulsive behavior in adulthood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11283965 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research uses laboratory mice to trace the brain circuits and chemical signals that influence aggression and impulsivity. Scientists manipulate dopamine and serotonin signaling during a sensitive adolescent window and then measure adult aggressive, impulsive, and stimulant-related behaviors. They map specific pathways, such as dopamine inputs from the ventral tegmental area to the lateral septum and their effects on D2 receptors and GABA neurons. The aim is to link developmental chemical changes to adult behavior so researchers can identify possible targets and timings for future interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people, but its results would be most relevant to adolescents and adults who experience high levels of aggression or impulsive behavior.
Not a fit: Patients whose aggression is mainly due to social, environmental, or non-neurological causes, or who have unrelated medical conditions, may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify brain circuits and developmental time windows that point to new ways to prevent or reduce harmful aggression and impulsivity.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies support a role for adolescent dopamine and serotonin changes in shaping adult aggression, but applying these findings to effective human treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ansorge, Mark Sascha — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Ansorge, Mark Sascha
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.