Understanding how brain circuits influence behavior related to rewards and addiction
Probing the role of a hypothalamic-thalamic-striatal circuit in cue-driven behaviors
This study is looking at how specific parts of the brain in rats affect their behavior when they see things that usually lead to rewards, like food or drugs, to better understand why some cues can lead to healthy choices while others might trigger cravings and addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134474 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain brain circuits in the hypothalamus, thalamus, and striatum influence behaviors driven by cues associated with rewards, such as food or drugs. By using animal models, specifically rats, the study aims to differentiate between how these cues can motivate normal behavior versus addictive behaviors. The researchers will explore the neural mechanisms that allow these cues to gain control over behavior, particularly in the context of addiction, where they can trigger cravings and relapse. This work involves advanced techniques to manipulate and observe brain activity in response to reward cues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals struggling with addiction or those at risk of relapse due to environmental cues.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues related to addiction or who are not influenced by environmental cues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating addiction by targeting the brain circuits involved in cue-driven behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding the role of brain circuits in addiction, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flagel, Shelly Beth — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Flagel, Shelly Beth
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.