How specific brain cells influence decision-making related to drug use
Official title: Functions of Target-Defined Orbitofrontal Neuron Types in Decision Making
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11128659 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in a part of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex help us make decisions, especially when it comes to drug use, to better understand addiction and hopefully find ways to help people struggling with substance use disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $657,412 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA062387-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128659 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with substance use disorders or those interested in understanding the neural basis of decision-making related to drug use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have substance use disorders or are not interested in the neurological aspects of decision-making may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of different types of neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and how they affect decision-making, particularly in the context of drug abuse. The study aims to map these neurons and understand their specific functions by monitoring and manipulating their activity during decision-making tasks. By examining how these neurons encode decision variables and influence choice biases, the research seeks to uncover the neural mechanisms underlying adaptive behavior and addiction. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how brain circuits contribute to substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating drug abuse disorders by targeting specific neural pathways involved in decision-making.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding the neural circuits involved in decision-making, making this approach promising yet still exploring specific neuron types in the context of addiction.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kepecs, Adam — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kepecs, Adam
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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.