How the gut and brain work together to control how we learn about rewards, especially food
A gut-brain interaction controlling reward learning
This project explores how signals from your gut talk to your brain to shape how you learn to enjoy and seek out food.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123205 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains have special systems, involving dopamine, that help us learn what feels good and motivates us to seek those things again, like eating. This project aims to understand how signals from your gut, which tell your brain about the food you've eaten, influence these dopamine systems. Researchers want to find out which specific brain cells are involved and how quickly these gut signals change our learning about food rewards. This knowledge could help us better understand why we make certain food choices.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future applications could benefit individuals struggling with disordered eating or reward-related conditions.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing issues with reward learning, food motivation, or gut-brain axis dysfunction may not directly benefit from this specific line of basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of eating behaviors, potentially informing future strategies for managing conditions like obesity or eating disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Emerging research supports the idea that gut signals influence brain activity related to food, but the precise timing and interaction with dopamine systems are still largely unknown.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howe, William Matthew — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Howe, William Matthew
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.