How the body's internal clock affects dopamine signaling in the brain's reward center.
Official title: Circadian regulation of dopamine 1 receptor signaling in the Nucleus Accumbens
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-10997321 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain that helps with motivation and reward reacts to different things throughout the day, and how a specific gene might change this response based on the time, which could help us understand how our feelings and behaviors are influenced by our daily rhythms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $158,313 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH135207-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997321 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing mood or anxiety disorders who may benefit from understanding the timing of their symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable mood disorders not influenced by circadian rhythms may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc), a key brain region involved in motivation and reward, responds to stimuli throughout the day, influenced by the body's circadian rhythms. The study focuses on the role of a specific gene, CRYPTOCHROME, in regulating dopamine 1 receptor activity, which may change based on the time of day. By using advanced techniques to manipulate and measure neuronal activity, the researchers aim to understand how these daily variations affect responses to both rewarding and aversive stimuli. This could provide insights into how timing influences emotional and behavioral responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for mood and anxiety disorders by targeting circadian rhythms in dopamine signaling.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of circadian rhythms in mood regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Francis, Tanner Chase — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Francis, Tanner Chase
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.