Understanding how social experiences shape brain development during adolescence
Official title: Parallel maturation of social behaviors and amygdala circuits
Funded at Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci · NIH-11049532 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how experiences during teenage years shape a part of the brain called the amygdala, which is important for how we interact with others, to help us understand why some people might struggle with social situations later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $535,696 |
| NIH project number | 2R01MH118237-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049532 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and young adults who have experienced social deprivation or other harmful social experiences.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the adolescent age range or who have not experienced significant social challenges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how experiences during adolescence affect the development of the amygdala, a brain region crucial for social behavior. By examining the connections between the amygdala and other brain areas, the study aims to uncover how these changes can lead to social impairments later in life. The researchers will analyze synaptic and molecular changes that occur during this critical developmental period, focusing on the balance of social motivation and its regulation by the prefrontal cortex. This work could provide insights into the biological underpinnings of social behavior and its dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for social impairments stemming from adverse experiences during adolescence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the amygdala in social behavior, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
North Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenkranz, Jeremy E — Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
- Study coordinator: Rosenkranz, Jeremy E
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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.