Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) awarded Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai a Project Grant totaling $701,763 under the Mental Health Research Grants program (CFDA 93.242) for the period April 24, 2026 through January 31, 2031. This research project investigates the role of the ventral CA1 (VCA1) region of the hippocampus in mediating distinct social emotional memories, specifically examining how the brain differentially processes positive and negative social interactions. The research addresses a critical knowledge gap regarding the neural circuits and cellular mechanisms underlying valence-associated social memory formation and updating, with direct implications for understanding maladaptive social behaviors in neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia.

The funded research will produce scientific and mechanistic insights into hippocampal circuit function through three specific research aims that employ electrophysiological, optogenetic, and cellular neuroscience methodologies to identify differential neural inputs and cell types supporting positive versus negative social emotional memories. Expected deliverables include peer-reviewed publications documenting the circuit and synaptic mechanisms mediating social valence representation, identification of specific hippocampal cell populations supporting valence-dependent social memory processes, and foundational data supporting future therapeutic development targeting deficits in social emotional memory processing. This basic neuroscience research directly supports NIMH's mission to transform understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through rigorous investigation of the neurobiological underpinnings of psychiatric conditions.