Understanding Brain Circuits for Decision-Making
Multimodal Characterization of Prefrontal and Premotor Circuits Underlying Perceptual Decision Making in Therhesus Monkey
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · NIH-11110323
This project aims to learn how different parts of the brain work together to help us make everyday choices, especially after a brain injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11110323 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our brains constantly make decisions, from simple choices like what to wear to complex ones like driving. This project focuses on two key brain areas, the prefrontal and premotor cortices, which are vital for these decisions. Researchers want to understand the specific types of brain cells and their connections within these areas, and how they function when we are making choices. By using advanced techniques in animal models, we hope to uncover the detailed wiring and activity patterns that support healthy decision-making. This knowledge could help us understand what goes wrong when decision-making is impaired, such as after a brain injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future clinical applications may benefit individuals experiencing difficulties with decision-making due to conditions like acquired brain injury.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing difficulties with decision-making or those whose conditions are unrelated to prefrontal and premotor cortex function may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide a foundational understanding of how brain circuits enable decision-making, potentially leading to new ways to help people with acquired brain injuries or mental illnesses who struggle with making choices.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that the prefrontal and premotor cortices are involved in decision-making and are strongly interconnected, providing a basis for this more detailed investigation.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LUEBKE, JENNIFER I — BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- Study coordinator: LUEBKE, JENNIFER I
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.
Conditions: Acquired brain injury