How oxytocin and its brain circuits support parenting and social bonding
Functional organization and plasticity of the oxytocin system for single or communal parenting in mice
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11141761
Researchers are looking at how oxytocin and specific brain cells control parenting and social behaviors to help people with autism and social-bonding difficulties.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141761 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team records brain activity and continuous video of mice as they parent or co-parent to link real-life behaviors with oxytocin neuron activity. They use photo-tagging and long-term neural monitoring to identify different oxytocin cell types and see how those cells change with experience. Researchers will test whether cell subsets, sex, or social context produce different oxytocin release patterns and behavioral outcomes. Although this work is done in mice, the goal is to reveal mechanisms that could inform future treatments for autism, social anxiety, or postpartum problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people; its findings are most relevant to adults with autism spectrum disorder or social-bonding difficulties who might benefit from future oxytocin-related therapies.
Not a fit: Because this is animal-based basic research, patients should not expect direct or immediate treatment benefits or opportunities to enroll.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could clarify how oxytocin circuits shape social behavior and guide new therapies for autism and social-bonding problems.
How similar studies have performed: Human trials of oxytocin for autism and social disorders have produced mixed results, so this preclinical work aims to provide deeper mechanistic insight.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FROEMKE, ROBERT CROOKS — NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: FROEMKE, ROBERT CROOKS
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.
Conditions: Autistic Disorder