How a frontal brain area helps form memories that guide choices
Integrated mechanisms for orbitofrontal cortical control of memory and choice
This work looks at how a part of the frontal brain builds and recalls memories that help us choose flexible actions, with relevance for problems like compulsive habits and overeating.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237091 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses laboratory experiments (mostly in rodents) to see how the ventrolateral orbitofrontal cortex (a frontal brain area) encodes and retrieves memories about actions and their outcomes. Researchers will follow specific neurons that are active during learning, test inputs from the amygdala and hippocampus, and study structural and molecular changes at synapses that make those memories durable. They will manipulate those neurons and proteins and measure how those changes affect behavior and memory retrieval. The goal is to map the circuits and molecular steps that let memories guide flexible choices.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who struggle with stress-related loss of flexible goal-directed behavior—such as compulsive behaviors, binge-eating, or habit-dominated decision-making—would be the most relevant group to benefit from follow-up clinical work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to decision-making circuits (for example, advanced neurodegenerative disease requiring immediate clinical care) are unlikely to gain direct or immediate benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to brain circuits or molecular targets for future treatments to restore flexible decision-making in conditions like compulsive disorders or disordered eating.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown the orbitofrontal cortex and its inputs influence flexible choice, but focusing on identified 'memory trace' neurons and the specific structural and protein mechanisms is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gourley, Shannon Leigh — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Gourley, Shannon Leigh
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 below.