How hormones affect brain development during adolescence
Official title: Hormonal Programming of the Mesocorticolimbic Circuit During Adolescent Development
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11163285 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in hormones during the teenage years affect the brain's reward and motivation systems, helping us understand why some young people might face mental health challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH136442-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163285 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20, particularly those experiencing cognitive control challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the adolescent age range or those without cognitive control impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how hormonal changes during adolescence influence the development of brain circuits that control motivation, reward, and cognitive functions. By studying the growth of dopamine-producing neurons from one part of the brain to another, the research aims to understand how these changes may lead to mental health conditions. The approach involves advanced techniques to trace the connections of these neurons and assess how they are affected by hormones like estrogen and testosterone. This work is crucial for understanding the unique developmental challenges faced by adolescents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of mental health issues that arise during adolescence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that hormonal influences during critical developmental periods can significantly impact brain structure and function, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sisk, Cheryl L. — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Sisk, Cheryl L.
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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.