DZPG - JE3: Modifying maladaptive social interaction and synchronization patterns

While the investigation of mental illnesses typically focuses on the impaired functionality of an index person (patient), many mental disorders are characterized by a pronounced disturbance in social interaction. The goal of TP3 is to examine functional and dysfunctional relationship patterns, as well as their neural, peripheral-physiological and behavioral correlates, as predictors and endpoints of mental disorders. Building on the first funding period, we will realize four work packages (WPs). The first will examine neural and behavioral synchronization in healthy, impaired, and pathological social interactions, exploring their function as predictors of mental illness and their modifiability through therapy and intervention. In the second WP, we will investigate bidirectional empathic stress contagion within dyads and families, studying not only established hormonal markers but also neurological and behavioral indices of stress contagion. Identifying the familial “epicentres” of stress transmission will be one central goal of WP2. In the third WP we will focus on brain activity and neuropeptide roles in group interactions within 'mouse cities,' echoing questions raised in human studies. Our preliminary results indicate stable prosocial personalities in mouse groups, and we will now investigate how chronic stress affects behaviour activity on a brain-wide level as well as in defined peptidergic circuits associated with resilience.
Our human subprojects interact through overlapping personnel and similar methodologies, creating synergies, but also through the development of a toolbox for social behaviour measures, as well as the aim to develop a theory of social process synchronization under allostatic load. They are informed by specific biomarkers, circuits and behaviours identified in relevant mouse models in WP3, while the animal models will be further refined by the tools and theories developed in the human social interaction studies