How brain signals in the striatum affect learning and behavior.
Striatum Wide Dynamics and Neuromodulation of Cell-Type Specific Striatum Populations during Learning
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in a part of the brain called the striatum help mice learn and make decisions, which could help us understand more about learning and motivation in people with conditions like addiction and Parkinson's Disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11041088 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific populations of neurons in the striatum, a key brain region, contribute to learning and behavior. By using advanced optical techniques, the study will monitor and manipulate neural signals in mice as they engage in learning tasks. The focus is on understanding how different circuits within the striatum work together to evaluate cues and motivate actions, particularly in the context of conditions like addiction and Parkinson's Disease. This could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of learning and motivation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with learning and motivational challenges related to basal ganglia disorders.
Not a fit: Patients without any learning or motivational deficits, or those not affected by basal ganglia disorders, may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for learning and motivational deficits associated with disorders like addiction and Parkinson's Disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding neural dynamics in the brain, but this specific approach using advanced optical techniques is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University (Charles River Campus) — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howe, Mark W — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Howe, Mark W
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.