How the brain protein neurexin affects social flexibility and amygdala learning
Role of neurexin in social adaptation and amygdala plasticity
['FUNDING_R01'] · ROSALIND FRANKLIN UNIV OF MEDICINE & SCI · NIH-11300986
This project looks at whether changes in the ASD-linked gene neurexin alter brain connections that help people change their social behavior.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ROSALIND FRANKLIN UNIV OF MEDICINE & SCI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NORTH CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11300986 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are using animal models to trace how the ASD-linked gene Nrxn1 (neurexin) affects the brain circuit between the anterior cingulate cortex and basolateral amygdala that helps guide social decisions. They will alter Nrxn1 and measure changes in neural signaling and synaptic plasticity in that circuit. Behavioral tests in rodents will probe social interactions and how well animals adapt when social cues change. The team will combine neural recordings and circuit manipulations to link gene changes to specific brain and behavior differences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autism spectrum disorder, especially those known to carry NRXN1 changes or who have trouble adapting social behavior, could be most relevant to the findings.
Not a fit: Individuals whose autism is unrelated to NRXN1 or whose social challenges stem mainly from non-neural factors may not directly benefit from these results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how an ASD risk gene leads to social inflexibility and point to new targets for therapies to improve social functioning.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genetic and animal studies have linked NRXN1 to ASD risk, but directly tying NRXN1 to ACC–BLA synaptic plasticity and social adaptability is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
NORTH CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- ROSALIND FRANKLIN UNIV OF MEDICINE & SCI — NORTH CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROSENKRANZ, JEREMY E — ROSALIND FRANKLIN UNIV OF MEDICINE & SCI
- Study coordinator: ROSENKRANZ, JEREMY E
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