Understanding how specific brain cells influence social recognition
Official title: Identifying a functional role for transcriptionally distinct, BLA-activated LS ensembles in social behaviors
Funded at Lieber Institute, INC. · NIH-11068983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lieber Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $78,828 |
| NIH project number | 1F32MH139150-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068983 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with conditions affecting social recognition or social behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no social cognition issues or those not affected by conditions related to social behavior may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Lieber Institute, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phillips, Robert — Lieber Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Phillips, Robert
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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.