Understanding how brain cells influence decision-making in conflict situations
Official title: Characterizing the role of ventral pallidal astrocytes in approach/avoidance conflict
Funded at University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences · NIH-11147014 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special brain cells in mice that might help us understand how we make choices when we feel torn between wanting something good and wanting to stay safe, which could help us learn more about anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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 | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $409,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH137593-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11147014 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or addiction, as these conditions are linked to approach/avoidance conflicts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues related to anxiety, depression, or addiction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific brain cells called astrocytes in the ventral pallidum region, which are thought to influence how we make decisions when faced with conflicting motivations, such as wanting to approach something rewarding versus avoiding something threatening. Using advanced techniques like fiber photometry and optogenetics, the researchers will study how these astrocytes behave during these decision-making processes in mice. The findings could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of anxiety, depression, and addiction, which often involve compromised decision-making.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating anxiety, depression, and addiction by targeting the mechanisms of decision-making.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of astrocytes in other brain functions has been studied, this specific investigation into their influence on approach/avoidance conflict is relatively novel and untested.
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
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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.