How social isolation in youth affects brain development and behavior related to substance use disorders
Official title: Impact of juvenile social isolation on maturation of frontal circuit and SUD-relevant behavior
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10984210 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being socially isolated as a young animal affects brain development and behaviors related to substance use disorders, helping us understand why some individuals might be at greater risk for these issues later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $391,833 |
| NIH project number | 1R34DA061263-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984210 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults who have experienced significant social isolation during their formative years.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced social isolation or those with established substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of early life social isolation on brain development and behaviors associated with substance use disorders (SUD). By studying animal models, the researchers aim to understand how juvenile social isolation disrupts the maturation of brain circuits, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for decision-making and social interactions. The study will involve behavioral assessments and advanced techniques to measure brain activity, providing insights into the neural mechanisms that may increase the risk of developing SUD later in life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for substance use disorders in adolescents and adults who experienced social isolation during their youth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that early life experiences can significantly impact behavioral outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into the development of substance use disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morishita, Hirofumi — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Morishita, Hirofumi
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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.