How MDMA changes brain circuits to boost social connection
Mapping Neural Circuit Activity Mediating MDMA's Prosocial Effect
Researchers are using mice to map which brain circuits and chemical signals let MDMA increase feelings of social connection, to help guide safer therapies for people with PTSD or social difficulties.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251605 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses MDMA in mice as a tool to find the specific brain circuits and neurotransmitters that produce greater social connection and trust. Scientists will combine social behavior testing with brain-wide imaging to identify the cells and pathways active when MDMA produces prosocial effects. The team will use these maps to screen for other compounds that mimic MDMA's social effects without its abuse potential or cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric risks, and to generate testable ideas for human brain imaging studies. All work is done in the laboratory at Stanford using advanced imaging and behavioral methods.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with PTSD or autism who have problems with social connection and trust are the patient groups most likely to benefit from therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate treatment should not expect direct benefit because this is preclinical research in mice rather than a human clinical trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to safer drugs or treatments that improve social connection for people with PTSD, autism, or related social difficulties.
How similar studies have performed: MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has shown promising results for PTSD in Phase 3 trials, but mapping brain-wide circuits in mice to guide safer MDMA-like therapies is a newer and preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heifets, Boris Dov — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Heifets, Boris Dov
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.