How stress affects dopamine regulation during goal-directed actions
Stress effects on circuitry regulating nigrostriatal dopamine during goal-directed action
This study is looking at how long-term stress affects the brain's reward system and motivation, using mice to help us learn more about conditions like depression and schizophrenia that can make it hard to feel motivated or achieve goals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10890129 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of chronic stress on the brain's dopamine system, particularly focusing on how it influences motivation and goal-directed behavior. By using rodent models, the study aims to understand the dynamics of dopamine transmission in the nigrostriatal pathway, which is crucial for voluntary movement and reward-based learning. The researchers will explore the circuitry involved in regulating dopamine during these behaviors, providing insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stress-related disorders. This work could lead to a better understanding of conditions like depression and schizophrenia, which often involve motivational deficits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic stress or related neuropsychiatric conditions such as major depression or schizophrenia.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience chronic stress or related motivational deficits may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding dopamine dynamics in stress-related conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hollon, Nick Garber — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Hollon, Nick Garber
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.