Understanding how brain circuits control social motivation
Official title: Corticothalamic control of social motivation
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11111290 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain help us feel motivated to socialize, especially by exploring how the medial prefrontal cortex connects with another brain area, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding social challenges related to conditions like autism and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $376,408 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131053-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11111290 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or other psychiatric conditions characterized by social motivation deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without social motivation impairments or those with conditions unrelated to social behavior may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms that influence social behaviors, particularly focusing on how the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) regulates social motivation through its connections with the thalamus. By studying both male and female mice, the researchers aim to uncover the specific neural pathways involved in social interactions and how they may differ by sex. The approach includes advanced techniques such as chemogenetics and optogenetics to manipulate and observe brain activity in real-time, providing insights into the underlying biology of social impairments seen in conditions like autism and depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving social functioning in individuals with psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain circuits related to social behavior, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Wen-Jun — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Gao, Wen-Jun
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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.