Understanding decision-making in the brain's orbitofrontal cortex
Official title: Causal manipulation of a decision circuit in the mouse orbitofrontal cortex
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11056026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex affects the choices we make about money, especially for people dealing with major depression, frontotemporal dementia, or drug addiction, by watching how mice decide between different options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $165,219 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH136725-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from major depression, frontotemporal dementia, or drug addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to decision-making processes in the brain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in the brain influences economic decision-making, particularly in conditions like major depression, frontotemporal dementia, and drug addiction. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to observe neuronal activity in mice as they make choices between different options. The goal is to identify specific cell groups in the OFC that contribute to decision-making processes, which could lead to a better understanding of how these processes are disrupted in various mental health disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for mental health conditions that affect decision-making.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding decision-making circuits in animal models, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Padoa-Schioppa, Camillo — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Padoa-Schioppa, Camillo
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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.