Neuronal circuits in approach-avoidance conflict in mice
Official title: Neuronal substrates governing approach/avoidance conflict
Funded at University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences · NIH-11347337 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how brain circuits that drive attraction and avoidance interact during conflict, using mice to understand anxiety, depression, and addiction better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $706,471 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH144082-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11347337 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with anxiety, depression, or addiction may benefit from future therapies informed by this research.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals are unlikely to directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project will look at how nucleus accumbens neurons and support cells called astrocytes influence decisions when mice face competing motivations to approach rewards or avoid danger. The team will use calcium imaging, targeted cell signaling ablation, and light-based control (optogenetics) in mice trained on an avoidance task to map how these cells encode learning and expression of conflict. By observing what happens during the decision process and then selectively silencing or removing signaling, they aim to reveal causal roles of specific cells and circuits. The work could shed light on why conflicting motivations become maladaptive in anxiety and related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could guide new strategies to treat anxiety, depression, and addiction by targeting the brain circuits that govern approach-avoidance decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that the nucleus accumbens and astrocytes contribute to motivation and avoidance behaviors, supporting potential translational relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
San Juan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bravo-Rivera, Christian Emmanuell — University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
- Study coordinator: Bravo-Rivera, Christian Emmanuell
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Proteins in brain-supporting cell vesicles linked to HIV-related cognitive issues
A study from the University of Puerto Rico investigates proteins in brain-cell vesicles found in blood and CSF to understand HIV-related cognitive impairment better.
-
Blood-vessel mitochondria and brain inflammation in Alzheimer's disease
This work looks at how tiny powerhouses inside blood‑vessel cells may trigger inflammation that worsens Alzheimer's for people with the disease.
-
Fh15-based therapy to calm inflammation in sepsis and ulcerative colitis
A research project tests a molecule from a parasitic organism (Fh15) to reduce harmful inflammation in adults with sepsis or ulcerative colitis.
-
p(UG) RNA Quadruplexes and ALS: How RNA shapes stress granules and TDP-43 pathology
Aimed at people with ALS, this grant tests how a specific RNA shape helps stress granules form and how that affects disease-related TDP-43 changes.
-
Tech-enabled Aids to Help Older Adults Stay Independent
A 3-year program tests a low-cost, group-based assistive technology approach to help adults 65+ stay independent by improving daily activities and quality of life in primary care clinics.
-
Clinical and Technology Resources Core expands access to clinical research facilities and technology across Alliance institutions
A multi-institutional core will provide researchers with access to clinical trial units, cutting-edge tech, facilities, and training to advance patient-focused clinical research.
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.