Investigating brain activity and connectivity in nicotine-addicted mice
Official title: Concurrent high resolution calcium imaging and fMRI reveal intra anterior cingulate cortex neuronal activity and large-scale brain network connectivity in healthy and nicotine-addicted mice
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10806238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the anterior cingulate cortex works in both healthy mice and those addicted to nicotine, to better understand how addiction affects attention and brain connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA057503-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10806238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of nicotine addiction or dependence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of nicotine use or addiction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) functions in both healthy and nicotine-addicted mice by using advanced imaging techniques. It aims to identify specific clusters of neurons in the ACC and how they interact with large-scale brain networks during tasks that require attention. By employing a unique MRI-compatible microscope, the study will capture detailed neuronal activity while simultaneously performing fMRI scans. This approach will help clarify how nicotine addiction affects brain connectivity and attention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment strategies for nicotine addiction and related cognitive deficits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain connectivity in addiction, but this specific approach using concurrent imaging techniques is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsu, Li-Ming — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Hsu, Li-Ming
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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.