Role of brain Avpr1a neurons in social behavior
Official title: Role of brain Avpr1a-expressing neurons in modulation of social behavior
Funded at Rowan University School/osteopathic Med · NIH-11369832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how specific brain cells that respond to a hormone called AVP influence how people and animals interact socially, with potential implications for understanding disorders like autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rowan University School/osteopathic Med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stratford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131807-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369832 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children and adolescents with social behavior difficulties related to ASD or similar neurodevelopmental conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without social-behavior challenges or without ASD-related concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project will explore how neurons expressing Avpr1a in the brain affect social behaviors relevant to children and adolescents. Using animal models and human-relevant approaches, the team aims to map neural circuits linked to affect and aggression and identify potential targets for future therapies. The work seeks to translate basic neuroscience into ideas that could improve understanding and treatment of social difficulties in conditions such as ASD during adolescence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide new approaches to improving social functioning in youths with ASD or related challenges.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show Avp-related pathways influence social behavior in animals, suggesting potential relevance to humans but require further validation.
Where this research is happening
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Rowan University School/osteopathic Med
Stratford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rood, Benjamin David — Rowan University School/osteopathic Med
- Study coordinator: Rood, Benjamin David
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.