Seasonal switch in brain chemicals that control aggression
Official title: A Seasonal Switch: Alternative Neuroendocrine Mechanisms Regulating Aggression
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-11332581 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new NIH grant looks at how seasonal changes in hormones influence aggressive behavior and could help people with mood and anxiety disorders that involve aggression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | May 8, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $641,943 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH139864-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332581 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with affective disorders or related conditions where aggression or irritability is a concern
✕Less likely to help
People without these conditions or without aggression-related symptoms may not benefit directly
What this research studies
This project investigates how melatonin and related hormones interact with adrenal hormones to influence aggressive behavior in mammals. By combining environmental biology, neuroendocrinology, pharmacology, and molecular neuroscience, researchers will study mechanisms that may shift aggression control from gonadal to adrenal systems across seasons. The study aims to map how these hormonal interactions affect brain circuits linked to aggression, with a focus on potential targets for new treatments. The work could ultimately lead to better understanding and management of pathological aggression in conditions like mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, autism, and ADHD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new ways to prevent or reduce pathological aggression in people with psychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown hormone-linked modulation of aggression, but this project seeks a deeper mechanistic link across seasonal changes and brain circuits
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demas, Gregory E — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Demas, Gregory E
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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.