How early life challenges affect social behavior through serotonin
Official title: Serotonergic regulation of social function following early life adversity
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-11144128 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tough experiences in early life can affect how adults behave socially, focusing on a brain chemical called serotonin that's important for mood and interactions, using mice to see how these changes might influence social competition and relationships.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $444,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH135346-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144128 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced early life adversity and are facing social challenges or neuropsychiatric conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced early life adversity or do not exhibit social dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how early life adversity impacts adult social behavior by focusing on serotonergic neurons, which are crucial for mood and social interactions. Using a mouse model that simulates early life stress, the study will explore how changes in serotonin activity influence social competition and dominance. Researchers will employ various techniques, including behavioral tests and advanced imaging methods, to understand the relationship between early experiences and serotonin dynamics in social contexts. The findings could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying social dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for social dysfunction associated with neuropsychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of serotonin in social behavior, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Polter, Abigail Marie — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Polter, Abigail Marie
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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.