How social rank affects brain and behavior in cichlid fish
Official title: Neural and molecular control of subordinate social status in a cichlid fish
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11035090 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being lower in the social pecking order affects the brains and behaviors of African cichlid fish, helping us understand the biological reasons behind social rankings, which could also shed light on similar behaviors in humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM153130-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035090 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals interested in the biological underpinnings of social behavior and its implications for mental health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in animal behavior research or those who do not have conditions related to social behavior may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how being in a subordinate social position influences the brain and behavior of African cichlid fish. By examining the neural circuitry and the production of important chemicals like androgens and serotonin, the study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind social hierarchies. Using advanced technologies such as genome editing and sequencing, researchers will identify specific genes and brain cell types that play a role in maintaining subordinate status. This work could provide insights into the broader implications of social behavior in animals, including humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of the biological basis of social behavior, potentially informing treatments for social behavior disorders in humans.
How similar studies have gone: While this research explores novel aspects of social behavior in cichlid fish, similar studies in other species have shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of social hierarchies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munley, Kathleen — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Munley, Kathleen
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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.