Investigating how brain circuits affect social behavior in autism.
Official title: Unstable nucleus accumbens social representations in models of social behavioral dysfunction.
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11059231 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain brain circuits affect social interactions, especially for people with autism, by exploring how specific brain cells respond during social situations, which could help us understand social challenges faced by those with autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $655,994 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132736-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059231 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who experience challenges in social interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autism spectrum disorder or those who do not exhibit social interaction difficulties may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of specific brain circuits in social interactions, particularly focusing on individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It examines how certain neurons in the nucleus accumbens, a key area involved in reward processing, respond during social interactions and how these responses may be altered in autism. By using animal models, the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind social motivation and reward, potentially leading to new insights into social behavioral dysfunction in autistic individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for social interaction difficulties in individuals with autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of social behavior in autism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Golshani, Peyman — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Golshani, Peyman
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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.