# Blood-brain barrier monoamine metabolism regulation of social behavior

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2020 · $472,546

## Abstract

Abstract
The blood-brain barrier is a term used to describe the unique properties of the blood vessels that vascularize
the central nervous system. These blood vessels tightly regulate the movement of ions, molecules and cells
between the blood and the brain, thus controlling the extracellular environment of the neural tissue. Despite
the importance of the blood-brain barrier, very little is known about how this barrier regulates the neural
environment to modulate complex behaviors. We have identified that the metabolic enzymes that generate
and breakdown the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin are enriched in the endothelial cells
of central nervous system blood vessels, suggesting that blood-brain barrier metabolism may regulate the
levels of these monoamine neurotransmitters which are critical for many complex behaviors. In preliminary
studies we have identified that deletion of these enzymes in endothelial cells leads to deficits in social
interaction, and have further found evidence that these vascular enzymes act as a metabolic buffer to the
transport of monoamine precursors. Interestingly, polymorphisms in the genes encoding each of these
enzymes have been linked with autism risk and/or severity, however the site of action and mechanism by
which they regulate autism-related behaviors is not known. Here we will test the hypothesis that blood-brain
barrier metabolism regulates autism-related behaviors including social interaction. We will further examine the
mechanism by which blood-brain barrier metabolism may regulate the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters
within the central nervous system, and how this affects behavior. Our ultimate goal is to determine whether the
blood-brain barrier is a therapeutic target to modulate behavior.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10053133
- **Project number:** 1R01MH121761-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Richard Daneman
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $472,546
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-06-01 → 2022-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10053133

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10053133, Blood-brain barrier monoamine metabolism regulation of social behavior (1R01MH121761-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10053133. Licensed CC0.

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