How early life experiences shape brain development and behavior
Official title: Developmental Programming of the Human Hypothalamus and its Role in Motivated Behaviors
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11024592 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how early life experiences can shape a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which is important for mental health, and it aims to help us understand how this might lead to better support for kids and teens who are at risk for mental health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH138481-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11024592 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include children and adolescents aged 0-20 who have experienced early life adversity or are at risk for mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 0-20 years or those without a history of early life adversity may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the development of the hypothalamus, a crucial brain region, is influenced by early life experiences and adversity. By analyzing data from large-scale studies involving thousands of children and adolescents, the research aims to understand the connections between hypothalamic structure, function, and mental health outcomes. The study employs advanced MRI techniques to create benchmarks for hypothalamic development from infancy through adulthood, focusing on how these factors may contribute to mental illness. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to early interventions for at-risk youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating mental health issues in children and adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of early life experiences on brain development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rasmussen, Jerod Michael — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Rasmussen, Jerod Michael
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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.