Understanding Brain Signals for Social Connections
Encoding social arousal within prepronociceptin circuits in the extended amygdala
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11111362
This research explores how specific brain circuits control our social responses and how problems in these circuits might lead to certain behavior disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11111362 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our ability to form social connections is vital for well-being, and our body's arousal responses help us process social information. When these brain circuits don't work correctly, it can contribute to difficulties with motivated behavior, a common feature in many brain-related conditions. We are looking at specific neurons in a brain area called the BNST that seem to control these rapid arousal responses to important stimuli. This project will investigate how these neurons, which connect to other brain regions involved in social motivation, influence our social behaviors and arousal.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who experience behavior disorders related to social interaction and arousal could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this foundational knowledge.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to social arousal or the specific brain circuits being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of the brain's role in social behavior and arousal, potentially guiding new ways to help people with neuropsychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Our team has recently identified that certain neurons in the BNST are involved in encoding rapid arousal responses, and this project builds upon those initial findings to explore their role in social behavior.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RODRIGUEZ-ROMAGUERA, JOSE — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: RODRIGUEZ-ROMAGUERA, JOSE
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.
Conditions: Behavior Disorders