How dopamine and striatal neurons help animals make decisions in uncertain situations
The function of dopamine and striatal neurons in guiding behavior in uncertain environments
This study looks at how mice make choices when things around them are uncertain, focusing on how a brain chemical called dopamine helps them decide based on their past experiences and what they see in their environment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10687838 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how animals, specifically mice, make decisions based on changing and uncertain environmental information. By observing their behavior in tasks that require them to choose actions for rewards, the study aims to understand the role of dopamine signaling in the striatum, a brain region involved in decision making. The researchers will employ advanced techniques to analyze motor actions and brain activity, focusing on how past experiences and environmental cues influence choices. The findings could provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying decision making in fluctuating conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions that impair decision-making abilities, such as Parkinson's disease or other neurological disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have neurological or behavioral conditions related to decision making may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of decision-making processes, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions that affect behavior and cognition.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding decision-making processes through similar approaches, particularly in animal models, indicating that this line of inquiry is promising.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilbrecht, Linda E — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Wilbrecht, Linda E
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.