How the brain protein neurexin affects social flexibility and amygdala learning
Official title: Role of neurexin in social adaptation and amygdala plasticity
Funded at Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci · NIH-11300986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether changes in the ASD-linked gene neurexin alter brain connections that help people change their social behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $528,357 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH137651-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11300986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals whose autism is unrelated to NRXN1 or whose social challenges stem mainly from non-neural factors may not directly benefit from these results.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving Diabetic Foot Ulcer Offloading with User-Friendly Cast Walker Design
A small pilot study to see how different removable cast walker designs affect daily use and healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
-
How the liver's ketone production affects muscle loss and recovery in pancreatic cancer
This project looks at whether helping the liver make ketones can prevent muscle wasting and aid recovery for people with pancreatic cancer.
-
How the amygdala and social behavior develop during adolescence
Studying how experiences in adolescence shape the brain’s social circuits to help understand and prevent lifelong social difficulties.
-
Targeting Vasopressin and Oxytocin Receptors to Treat Anxiety and Fear
Researchers are testing how brain chemical signals related to vasopressin and oxytocin in the BNST region affect fear and anxiety, with the goal of identifying new ways to treat anxiety disorders.
-
Role of TAM receptors in humoral immunity and malaria
A doctor-science team is studying how a specific immune pathway (TAM receptors on B cells) affects antibody responses to malaria and whether blocking this pathway could improve immunity.
-
Understanding rejection sensitivity and mental health in LGBTQ+ teens
A long-term study follows LGBTQ+ adolescents to see how worries about rejection affect their mood and mental well-being.
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.