Investigating how sex differences in vasopressin affect social behavior
Official title: Sexually Dimorphic Vasopressin Circuits in the Control of Social Interest
Funded at Georgia State University · NIH-10980228 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called arginine vasopressin affects social behavior differently in men and women, and it aims to help us understand social behavior disorders better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $727,479 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH135553-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980228 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with social behavior disorders, particularly those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have social behavior disorders or those outside the age range of 21 years and older may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP) in social behavior, particularly focusing on how its effects differ between sexes. By examining specific brain regions involved in social interest, the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind these differences. Researchers will utilize advanced techniques such as optogenetics to manipulate brain activity and assess changes in behavior and cellular function. The goal is to uncover how AVP influences social interactions in adults, which could lead to better understanding of social behavior disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for social behavior disorders, particularly those that exhibit sex differences.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining AVP's role in social behavior is relatively novel, there is existing research indicating that neuropeptides can significantly influence social behaviors.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia State University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petrulis, Aras T — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Petrulis, Aras T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Exploring how Neisseria gonorrhoeae uses nutrients and host sugars to thrive
A study to understand how the gonorrhea bacteria grab nutrients from the human host and how it interacts with sugars on our cells to help design better treatments.
-
Environmental and sanitation improvements with a smartphone app
A low-cost smartphone tool helps US cities and households report sanitation problems to prevent illness and costly repairs.
-
Vaccine study in mice to protect against gonorrhea using a new OMV-based approach
Researchers are testing an OMV-based vaccine in mouse models to block Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection by targeting key bacterial proteins.
-
Vaccine design to protect against future coronaviruses
A new vaccine concept aims to protect people by targeting multiple coronavirus lineages likely to cause future pandemics.
-
Neuro-Symbolic Models for Explaining Epidemic Dynamics (EpiXplain)
A new modeling framework will blend AI reasoning with symbols to help explain and forecast how diseases spread, considering biology, behavior, mobility, and interventions relevant to patients.
-
Frataxin's role in protecting the liver from MASLD-related injury
This grant studies how a mitochondrial helper protein, frataxin, affects liver damage in people with MASLD (a common liver disease), with the aim of finding new ways to prevent or reduce injury.
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.