Understanding how dopamine affects infant movement and communication
Dopamine regulation of infant perceptual motor development and communication
This research explores how brain signals, particularly dopamine, help infants develop the movements and communication skills needed to interact with their caregivers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126648 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Healthy infant development relies on recognizing caregivers and communicating needs through sensory information and intentional movements. This process, called perceptual motor development, is vital for social bonding and lifelong well-being, but we don't fully understand its brain mechanisms. This project uses social tadpoles that 'dance' to beg for food, combining this unique model with advanced genetic tools to uncover basic brain processes. We aim to discover how a protein called FMRP influences dopamine signals essential for these early communication skills.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not recruiting patients but aims to understand general brain mechanisms relevant to all infants' early development.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide fundamental insights into the brain mechanisms underlying infant social bonding and communication, potentially informing future approaches for developmental challenges.
How similar studies have performed: This project uses a novel research organism and behavioral approach, building on recent preliminary data from the researchers' own lab showing dopamine's role in social-motor displays.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'connell, Lauren a — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: O'connell, Lauren a
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.