How the brain keeps social behavior improved
Neural mechanisms underlying sustained enhancement of sociability
This project explores whether quick, strong boosts in serotonin can produce lasting improvements in social interaction for people with autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261743 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how the brain's serotonin system controls social behavior using mouse models that carry an autism-linked change in serotonin neurons. They compare slow serotonin increases (similar to common antidepressants) with fast, large releases of serotonin (modeled with a drug like MDMA) to see which produces longer-lasting social benefits. The team also examines a gene called Arid1b that affects how serotonin neurons work and may explain why some people have social difficulties. Together, these approaches aim to point toward safer ways to produce more durable improvements in sociability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who experience social interaction difficulties and are open to participating in research on serotonin-related treatments would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People whose social challenges are unrelated to serotonin function or who cannot consider serotonergic-based approaches may not benefit from this line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new approaches that produce more lasting improvements in social interaction for people with autism.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and early human research (including MDMA-related work) indicate rapid serotonin increases can boost sociability, but safely translating that into lasting treatments for autism remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walsh, Jessica Jillian — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Walsh, Jessica Jillian
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.