Understanding Brain Circuits for Maternal Care
The Role of Corticolimbic Circuits in Maternal Behavior
['FUNDING_R01'] · RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J. · NIH-11158640
This project explores how specific brain circuits in mothers influence their caregiving, stress, and threat responses.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J. (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PISCATAWAY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11158640 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Becoming a mother brings big changes to the brain, especially in areas that manage caregiving, stress, and how we react to threats. This project looks closely at particular brain circuits, called corticolimbic circuits, to understand how they connect with regions important for maternal care. Researchers are using advanced genetic tools and brain imaging techniques to map these connections and see how they function at a cellular level. The goal is to uncover the exact ways these circuits control a mother's behavior and emotional well-being.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit mothers who experience difficulties with maternal care, stress, or threat responses.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing challenges related to maternal care, stress, or threat responses would not directly benefit from this specific line of basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to support mothers struggling with stress or emotional challenges, helping them engage more effectively with their children.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach to studying corticolimbic circuits in this context is novel, previous human and animal studies have highlighted the importance of resilient emotional responses for effective maternal care.
Where this research is happening
PISCATAWAY, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J. — PISCATAWAY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHUMYATSKY, GLEB P — RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J.
- Study coordinator: SHUMYATSKY, GLEB P
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 below.