How the brain learns to associate cues with rewards
Nucleus accumbens dynamics underlying cue-reward learning
This study is looking at how a part of the brain learns to connect certain signals, like sights or sounds, with rewards like food, and it aims to help us understand how this process might lead to problems like addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11043227 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain, specifically the nucleus accumbens, learns to associate environmental cues with rewards, such as food. It focuses on understanding the neuronal activity patterns in this brain region during cue-driven reward-seeking behaviors. By using advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy, the study aims to uncover how different neurons in the nucleus accumbens respond to reward-predictive cues and how this affects behavior. The findings could provide insights into maladaptive learning processes that contribute to substance use disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with substance use disorders who may benefit from new therapeutic approaches.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues related to substance use or cue-reward learning may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for substance use disorders by enhancing our understanding of cue-reward learning.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cue-reward associations, but this specific approach focusing on the nucleus accumbens is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burke, Dennis Alexander — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Burke, Dennis Alexander
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.