Understanding how specific brain cells influence social behavior
Official title: Role of brain Avpr1a-expressing neurons in modulation of social behavior
Funded at Rowan University School/osteopathic Med · NIH-11128436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how a specific brain chemical, vasopressin, influences our social interactions and behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rowan University School/osteopathic Med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stratford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131807-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128436 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is relevant to individuals across the lifespan, particularly those experiencing challenges with social behavior, including conditions like autism spectrum disorder or issues with aggression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not experiencing difficulties with social behavior or related conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Our social connections are vital for our well-being, influencing everything from childhood development to adult relationships. When social behaviors are disrupted, it can lead to significant health challenges and negatively impact individuals and their families. This project aims to uncover how a brain chemical called vasopressin affects both positive social interactions, like parental care, and challenging ones, such as aggression. By understanding these brain mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to help people who struggle with social behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or interventions for conditions where social behavior is disrupted, improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has established vasopressin's general role in social behaviors, but this project delves into the specific brain mechanisms, making it a novel exploration of known influences.
Where this research is happening
-
Rowan University School/osteopathic Med
Stratford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rood, Benjamin David — Rowan University School/osteopathic Med
- Study coordinator: Rood, Benjamin David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HIV, Cocaine Use, and Brain Lipid Balance in Astrocytes
This project looks at how HIV and cocaine use disrupt how brain support cells called astrocytes handle lipids, which could affect brain health.
-
Role of brain Avpr1a neurons in social behavior
Researchers are studying how specific brain cells that respond to a hormone called AVP influence how people and animals interact socially, with potential implications for understanding disorders like autism.
-
Understanding swallowing problems in Parkinson’s disease using a rat model
A researcher is studying how Parkinson’s-related brain changes beyond the usual areas affect swallowing, using rat models to find ways to help people with PD who have trouble eating or aspirating.
-
Neural circuits behind motivation problems in an Alzheimer’s rat model
This grant investigates why motivation and goal-directed behavior decline in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease, aiming to uncover brain circuits that affect behavior.
-
Magnesium inside heart cell mitochondria and how it affects damage after blood flow returns
This work looks at how magnesium inside heart cell powerhouses affects cell damage when blood flow returns after a heart attack, with the goal of helping people with ischemic heart injury.
-
Investigating how HIV interacts with brain cells to control infection
This study is looking at how HIV impacts certain brain cells that help with the immune system, and it hopes to find new ways to keep the virus from causing problems, which could lead to better treatments for people living with HIV.
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.