Investigating how specific brain neurons influence flexible behavior related to rewards
Official title: Functional role of tachykinin 1-expressing lateral habenula neurons in flexible reward-guided behavior
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-10929410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific brain cells help us adapt our behavior when rewards change, which could lead to new treatments for people with conditions that make it hard to adjust their actions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,852 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH135679-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders that exhibit inflexible behavior, such as depression, schizophrenia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without neuropsychiatric disorders or those whose conditions do not involve behavioral flexibility issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain neurons in the lateral habenula region of the brain contribute to flexible behavior, particularly in response to changing rewards. By studying these neurons, the research aims to uncover how they signal discrepancies between expected and actual rewards, which is crucial for adapting behaviors in various situations. The approach involves using advanced techniques to monitor and manipulate these specific neurons in animal models, providing insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by inflexible behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions like depression and schizophrenia by enhancing behavioral flexibility.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the lateral habenula in behavior, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suzuki, Kana — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Suzuki, Kana
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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.