How brain regions interact during reward learning
Hippocampal-orbitofrontal interactions and reward learning
This study is looking at how two important parts of the brain work together to help us learn about rewards and make decisions, which could help us find new ways to treat mental health issues like OCD and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10740881 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex in primates to understand their roles in reward learning and decision-making. By using advanced techniques to study neuronal properties, the research aims to uncover how these brain regions contribute to mental health disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. The approach combines computational psychiatry with experimental methods to explore how cognitive maps influence reward predictions and behavior. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders, or related mental health conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with purely physical health conditions unrelated to neuropsychiatric disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While research on hippocampal function has been extensive in rodents, this approach using primate models is relatively novel and has the potential to yield new insights.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wallis, Joni D — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Wallis, Joni D
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.