How the premotor brain area helps the brain make decisions
Molecular and functional architecture of a premotor circuit for decision making
Researchers will map which cell types and connections in the premotor cortex drive choice behavior in mice to inform problems with decision-making in conditions like addiction, depression, and eating disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262245 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, this project looks at how specific brain cells and their wiring in the premotor cortex contribute to making choices. Scientists will use molecular tools and detailed behavior tests in mice that mirror complex decision tasks to link genes, cell types, and circuit activity. They will trace connectivity and record neural activity to see how different cell populations drive behavior. Findings aim to reveal circuit-level changes that underlie decision-making problems seen in psychiatric illnesses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with psychiatric conditions that cause difficulties with decision-making—such as addiction, major depression, or eating disorders—are the groups most likely to benefit from the insights produced by this research.
Not a fit: Patients with medical issues unrelated to brain function or decision-making (for example, acute infections or musculoskeletal injuries) are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic neuroscience project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific brain-cell targets or pathways for new therapies to improve decision-making in psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Animal circuit-mapping studies have successfully clarified brain pathways and functions before, but translating those findings into proven treatments for psychiatric disorders remains limited and ongoing.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Zheng Herbert — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Wu, Zheng Herbert
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.