Understanding how brain circuits influence behavior and internal states
Official title: Identifying transcriptomic axes governing neural dynamics, behavior, and states
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-11033112 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different brain cells team up to help us respond to things around us, like when we eat, feel aggressive, or sleep, and it aims to find out how these processes change as we age or deal with different health issues, which could help improve our understanding of these behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | January 6, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $120,015 |
| NIH project number | 1K99MH138830-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033112 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals experiencing behavioral changes related to aging or neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable behavioral patterns unrelated to age or neurological conditions may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different types of brain cells work together to process environmental information and generate behaviors such as feeding, aggression, and sleep. By using advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy, the study aims to monitor the activity of neurons in real-time while also analyzing their genetic profiles. This approach will help uncover the complex interactions between sensory inputs and internal states that drive behavior. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how these processes change with age or in response to various conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for behavioral disorders and age-related changes in behavior.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar techniques to understand neural dynamics and behavior, indicating a potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seo, Changwoo — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Seo, Changwoo
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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.