How changes in chloride levels in the brain affect learning and behavior
Official title: Time-dependent changes in chloride homeostasis are a mechanism of plasticity critical for learning
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11074892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in chloride levels in the brain affect learning and behavior, especially in relation to rewards, and it aims to help people understand conditions like addiction and depression better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $37,274 |
| NIH project number | 1F99NS139517-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074892 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing challenges related to addiction, depression, or other neuropsychiatric disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to reward learning or those not experiencing neuropsychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of chloride ion homeostasis in the brain, specifically focusing on how changes in chloride levels influence learning and behavior. By examining GABA neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area, the study aims to understand how these neurons adapt during reward learning and how this adaptation may relate to conditions like addiction and depression. The research employs a combination of behavioral experiments and molecular techniques to explore the mechanisms of reward-related learning and the potential for therapeutic interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for addiction and depression by targeting the mechanisms of reward learning.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the role of GABA neurons in reward learning, indicating that this approach has a foundation in established science.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woo, Joyce — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Woo, Joyce
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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.