How brain circuits control behavior related to rewards and cravings
Nucleus accumbens circuits for regulating cue-motivated behavior
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain affect our desire for rewards, like food or drugs, to help us understand the difference between healthy habits and unhealthy behaviors, which could lead to better treatments for conditions like compulsive eating or substance use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11017052 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific brain circuits in the nucleus accumbens influence behaviors driven by cues that signal rewards, such as food or drugs. It aims to understand the balance between healthy reward-seeking and maladaptive behaviors like compulsive eating or substance use. By using advanced techniques to monitor and manipulate brain activity, the study seeks to uncover the neural mechanisms that regulate these behaviors, which can become dysregulated in various mental health conditions. The findings could lead to new insights into treating disorders characterized by unhealthy reward-seeking.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with substance use disorders, compulsive overeating, or related neuropsychiatric conditions.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues related to reward-seeking behaviors or neuropsychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions like addiction and compulsive eating by targeting the underlying brain mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain circuits related to reward-seeking behaviors, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ostlund, Sean Bjorn — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Ostlund, Sean Bjorn
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.