Project Summary

Eva C. Ihle, M.D., Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2007) of the University of California, San Francisco, wants to define the role of neuropeptides in social and vocal behaviors in neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuropeptides, molecules found in the same neurons as traditional neurotransmitters, have been shown in research with rodents to strongly influence social behaviors. Dr. Ihle will use the zebra finch, a songbird, to study the neurophysiology of learned communication and other social interactions. Song learning depends on a specialized brain circuit. Dysfunction of analogous circuits in humans has been implicated in autism and schizophrenia. If it is shown that neuropeptides are involved, they could provide a new focus for therapeutic intervention.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS\Autism/Schizophrenia

Search Again