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Unraveling neuronal and molecular mechanisms of flexible social behavior in mice

Award Number: K99HD118168
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/01/2025
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2027

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Unraveling neuronal and molecular mechanisms of flexible social behavior in mice - PROJECT SUMMARY Developmentally wired programs of social interactions in animals enhance reproductive success, yet these underlying neural circuits also allow for flexibility in behavior, such as modulating behavior in response to past experiences. The mechanisms enabling such flexibility in innate social behaviors remain poorly understood. This project aims to define the experience-driven neural mechanisms that enhance behavioral performance in male mating. We hypothesize that experiential changes in male mating are governed by neural plasticity within the circuits controlling this behavior, focusing specifically on preoptic hypothalamus neurons (POA) expressing tachykinin receptor 1 (POATacr1), a critical population that regulates male mating. To achieve our objectives, we will first delineate the afferent inputs onto POATacr1 neurons. We will employ retrograde tracing and optogenetic manipulations to identify and characterize cell populations projecting to POATacr1 and their role in mating. Second, we aim to elucidate the cellular and electrophysiological mechanisms underlying mating experience-driven plasticity. This includes measuring synaptic transmission onto POATacr1 neurons and characterizing mating experience-regulated cellular dynamics using in vivo 2-photon imaging. Furthermore, we will identify molecular pathways underlying mating experience-driven plasticity through deep sequencing to identify and functionally interrogate candidate genes regulated by mating experience. If successful, our project will reveal novel mechanisms underlying circuit plasticity during experientially driven changes in mating behavior, with potential implications for understanding reproductive behavior in health and disease. The interdisciplinary approach employed will provide insights into the interplay among genes, circuit plasticity, and innate behaviors, establishing a platform for future independent research.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $131,085 )
2026	2026	THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY	450 JANE STANFORD WAY	STANFORD	CA	94305	SANTA CLARA	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	2	4/13/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$131,085
														Subtotal = $131,085

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $131,085 )
2025	2025	THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY	450 JANE STANFORD WAY	STANFORD	CA	94305	SANTA CLARA	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	1	4/22/2025	NEW	$131,085
														Subtotal = $131,085

Grand Total All Awards = $262,170

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Unraveling neuronal and molecular mechanisms of flexible social behavior in mice

Award Number: K99HD118168

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/01/2025

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2027

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