Understanding how serotonin affects aggression and social behaviors
Official title: Serotonergic modulation of aggressive and prosocial behaviors
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11027418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how serotonin affects both aggressive and friendly behaviors, especially for people with mental health issues, to help us understand better ways to manage aggression.
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 start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $711,897 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH138645-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11027418 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with psychiatric disorders characterized by aggression or difficulties in social interactions, such as autism spectrum disorder or bipolar disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not exhibit aggressive behaviors or social interaction difficulties may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of serotonin in modulating aggressive and prosocial behaviors, particularly in the context of psychiatric disorders. By using advanced techniques such as optogenetics and miniaturized microscopes, the study aims to identify how serotonin influences these behaviors at a neural level. The researchers will explore the interactions between aggression and prosocial behavior, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms that govern these social behaviors. This work could lead to a better understanding of how to manage aggression in various psychiatric conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing aggression and enhancing prosocial behaviors in patients with psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of serotonin in behavior modulation, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eshel, Neir — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Eshel, Neir
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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.