Inhibitory Cell Types and Circuits in the Lateral Hypothalamus
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11361059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how inhibitory neurons in the lateral hypothalamus control arousal, motivation, sleep, feeding, and memory to better understand brain function and disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | April 20, 2017 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $518,293 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH112739-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361059 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with sleep, appetite, or mood disorders may indirectly benefit from advances in understanding LHA circuits and their roles in behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals may not directly benefit, though the research could still advance general neuroscience knowledge.
What this research studies
This project aims to map the diverse inhibitory neuron types in a region of the brain called the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) and to understand how they connect with other brain regions. By focusing on GABAergic neurons, and specifically those that express the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), the study will explore how these cells influence behavior and state changes like sleep and wakefulness. The researchers will examine cellular diversity, neural circuits, and how different subpopulations of LHAMCH neurons contribute to positive and negative motivational states. The outcomes could reveal new targets for treating conditions related to sleep, appetite, and stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new insights and therapeutic targets for sleep, feeding, and mood-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that LHA circuits influence arousal and motivated behavior, and this project seeks to dissect subpopulation roles in greater detail.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jackson, Alexander Choi — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Jackson, Alexander Choi
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.