How specific orbitofrontal brain cells shape decision-making
Functions of Target-Defined Orbitofrontal Neuron Types in Decision Making
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11324027
This project looks at how different cell types in a part of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex influence choice patterns linked to addiction.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11324027 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, this project studies how certain nerve cells in the orbitofrontal cortex influence choices and biased behaviors. Researchers will map which OFC neurons send signals to deeper brain areas like the ventral striatum and ventral tegmental area, record their activity with tiny head-mounted microscopes, and change their activity to see how choices change. The experiments use rat models to follow projection-specific neurons across different decision tasks and over time. The goal is to identify the circuits that drive harmful choice patterns and point to new targets for treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll people; it is conducted in animal models to study brain circuits relevant to addiction.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatments or clinical care will not directly benefit because the work is preclinical and performed in animals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific brain-circuit targets to guide new treatments for decision-making problems in addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown that orbitofrontal circuits influence choice and addiction-related behaviors, but projection-targeted imaging and manipulation at this level of specificity are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KEPECS, ADAM — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KEPECS, ADAM
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.