Understanding how brain circuits influence decision-making in addiction and compulsive behaviors
Official title: The role of cortico-striatal circuitry in model-based decision-making
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11052157 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain areas help mice make smart choices when things change, which could help us understand decision-making in people with conditions like addiction and eating disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $189,540 |
| NIH project number | 1K08MH136338-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052157 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing addiction or compulsive behaviors, as well as those with related psychiatric symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues related to addiction or compulsive behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific brain circuits, particularly in the prelimbic cortex and dorsomedial striatum, contribute to decision-making processes that adapt to changing situations. By using advanced techniques like in vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics, the study aims to observe and manipulate neural activity in mice during decision-making tasks. The focus is on understanding model-based control, a cognitive system that helps individuals make informed choices, especially in the context of compulsive disorders such as addiction and eating disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for individuals suffering from addiction and other compulsive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain circuitry related to decision-making, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Geramita, Matthew a. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Geramita, Matthew a.
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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.