Understanding brain circuits involved in feeding and reward behaviors
Lateral Hypothalamic Circuits for Feeding and Reinforcement
This study is looking at a part of the brain that helps control things like hunger and the desire for rewards, to better understand how different brain cells work together, which could help us find new ways to treat addiction and other mental health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11049033 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) of the brain, which plays a crucial role in regulating motivated behaviors like feeding and reward-seeking. By using advanced techniques such as single-cell transcriptional profiling and two-photon calcium imaging, the researchers aim to identify specific cell types within the LHA and understand how they contribute to these behaviors. The findings could lead to new insights into the neural circuits involved in addiction and other neuropsychiatric disorders, potentially paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with addiction or related neuropsychiatric disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues related to feeding behaviors or addiction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for addiction and other disorders related to feeding and motivation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain circuits related to motivation and addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stuber, Garret D — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Stuber, Garret D
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.