Investigating how brain factors influence social behavior
Official title: Reprogramming Transcription Factors to Study Social Behavior
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11034061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain molecules in the brain can change social behaviors in mice, which might help us understand why some people have trouble with social interactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | September 24, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,404 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH133309-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034061 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or other psychiatric conditions that affect social behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have social behavior deficits or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of synthetic transcription factors in the brain to understand and manipulate the molecular processes that govern social behaviors. By delivering these factors to the medial prefrontal cortex of mice, the study aims to uncover how specific genes affect social interactions and behaviors. The approach involves advanced techniques such as RNA sequencing to analyze changes in gene expression and behavior following manipulation. This research could provide insights into the neurobiological origins of social behavior, which is often disrupted in psychiatric conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving social behaviors in individuals with psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using synthetic transcription factors is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the genetic basis of behavior.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Truby, Natalie L — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Truby, Natalie L
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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.