Understanding how oxytocin influences friendships and social bonds
Official title: Mechanisms supporting selective affiliation between peers
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11084508 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special brain chemical called oxytocin helps prairie voles, which are social animals like us, form friendships and connect with familiar partners while staying away from strangers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | May 6, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $464,343 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132908-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084508 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with autism spectrum disorder or those experiencing difficulties in forming social connections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have social affiliation challenges or those without conditions related to social bonding may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in forming selective social bonds among peers, particularly in prairie voles, which have social structures similar to humans. By examining how oxytocin affects the acceptance of familiar partners and the avoidance of strangers, the study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind friendship formation. The researchers will use a combination of neuropharmacological and genetic techniques to manipulate oxytocin signaling and observe its effects on social behavior. This could provide insights into how social relationships are formed and maintained in both animals and humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing social relationships and addressing social deficits in conditions like autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the role of oxytocin in social bonding, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beery, Annaliese K. — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Beery, Annaliese K.
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.