Understanding how specific brain cells influence social recognition

Identifying a functional role for transcriptionally distinct, BLA-activated LS ensembles in social behaviors

NIH-funded research Lieber Institute, INC. · NIH-11068983

This study is looking at how specific brain cells help us recognize familiar and new social situations, which could help us understand how our brains work when we interact with others.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLieber Institute, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11068983 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of certain neurons in the brain that are involved in recognizing familiar and unfamiliar social cues. By focusing on the connections between the basolateral amygdala and the lateral septum, the study aims to uncover how these neurons activate and contribute to social behaviors. The approach includes examining the molecular characteristics and spatial organization of these neurons to better understand their function in social recognition. This could lead to insights into the neural mechanisms that govern social interactions and behaviors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with conditions affecting social recognition or social behavior.

Not a fit: Patients with no social cognition issues or those not affected by conditions related to social behavior may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of social behavior and potentially inform treatments for social cognition disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural circuits involved in social behavior, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.