How social experiences influence decision-making in the brain
Official title: Medial orbitofrontal cortical mechanisms underlying socially guided choice
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11071192 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how past social experiences influence the way mice make decisions, especially when it comes to choosing food, and it aims to understand how a specific brain protein helps with memory and value in these choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 1F32MH139279-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071192 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions affecting social behavior or decision-making.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological conditions unrelated to social behavior or decision-making may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how past social experiences affect decision-making processes in the brain, specifically focusing on the medial orbitofrontal cortex (MO). Using a unique task that pairs food rewards with social interactions, the study examines how mice recall these experiences to guide their choices. The research aims to understand the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in this process, which is crucial for memory and value assessment. By exploring these mechanisms, the study hopes to shed light on the biological underpinnings of socially guided choices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of decision-making processes influenced by social interactions, potentially leading to new treatments for social behavior disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the role of social experiences in decision-making, but this specific approach focusing on the MO and BDNF is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Towner, Trevor — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Towner, Trevor
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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.