Exploring how specific brain neurons influence reward-seeking behavior and decision-making
Official title: Understanding the role of paraventricular neurotensin neurons in valence processing
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11216345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells help us understand rewards and punishments, especially in people who struggle with cocaine use, to find out what drives their cravings and behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $79,653 |
| NIH project number | 3R00DA055111-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11216345 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with substance use disorders, particularly those with a history of cocaine use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of substance use disorders or are not involved in drug-seeking behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of neurotensin neurons in the brain's paraventricular nucleus and their impact on how individuals process rewards and punishments. By studying the interactions between these neurons and other brain regions, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that drive compulsive drug-seeking behaviors, particularly in the context of cocaine use. The approach involves advanced techniques to observe neuronal activity and behavior in response to different stimuli, providing insights into the underlying causes of substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for substance use disorders by targeting the brain's reward processing pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of reward and punishment processing, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Hao — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Li, Hao
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.