Project Overview

The Role of the Hypocretin-Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Circuit in Chronic Social Isolation and Acute Social Stress

Social behaviour is especially sensitive to stress, and isolation during youth can have long-lasting effects on how the brain supports healthy social interactions. This project will study how chronic social isolation in adolescence alters the activity of hypocretin (Hcrt) neurons and a key brain pathway linking these neurons to the dorsal raphe nucleus. Researchers will also test whether adjusting the activity of this pathway can reverse social behaviour problems caused by isolation or acute social stress. The goal of this project is to better understand how social stress affects brain circuits and to identify potential targets for therapies that support individuals affected by early-life social isolation.

Principal Investigator

Matthew Dawson , University of Calgary