How a tiny asymmetric brain circuit influences mood, anxiety, and addiction
Connectivity and Function of the Asymmetric Habenulo-Interpeduncular Pathway
Researchers are mapping a small left-right brain circuit in animals to better understand how it influences anxiety, mood, and addiction in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11234255 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a patient, it's helpful to know researchers are tracing a tiny brain pathway called the habenulo-interpeduncular circuit that differs on the left and right sides. The team uses animal models (like zebrafish and other vertebrates), genetic labeling, advanced imaging, and behavioral tests to identify the different neuron types and their precise connections. They alter the left-right balance of this circuit and observe how animals react to fearful or aversive cues. The findings aim to connect specific neuron groups to anxiety- and addiction-related behaviors to guide future treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant supports lab-based animal research and does not enroll human patients.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment will not get direct benefit from this work because it is basic science done in animal models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological targets for treating anxiety, depression, or addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal circuit-mapping has linked this pathway to nicotine dependence and anxiety, but this project uses newer genetic and imaging tools to map the pathway more completely.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halpern, Marnie E — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Halpern, Marnie E
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.