How brain chemicals affect motivation and behavior
Official title: Role of cortical catecholamines in regulating motivated behavior and striatal dopamine
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11016956 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain chemicals called catecholamines affect our motivation and behavior, especially how they influence dopamine in a part of the brain that helps us achieve our goals, and it could help find new ways to treat thinking problems in people with neurological and mental health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $317,560 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130778-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016956 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing cognitive dysfunction or motivation-related issues, particularly those with neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cognitive impairment or motivation-related disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of catecholamines, which are brain chemicals, in regulating motivation and behavior. It focuses on understanding how these chemicals influence dopamine levels in the brain's striatum, which is crucial for goal-directed actions. By using advanced techniques like chemogenetics and fiber photometry, the study aims to uncover the specific ways that different types of catecholamines affect motivated behavior and cognitive flexibility. This knowledge could lead to new treatments for cognitive dysfunction in various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new therapeutic strategies for improving cognitive function and motivation in patients with neuropsychiatric conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of brain chemicals in behavior, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Urs, Nikhil — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Urs, Nikhil
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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.