Understanding how brain signals affect motivation and reward-seeking behavior
Official title: Neural signals controlling generalized deficits in motivation
Funded at University of Texas San Antonio · NIH-10986123 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brain controls motivation and the desire for rewards, especially in animals, to help us understand why some people with mental health issues struggle with motivation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas San Antonio NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | November 15, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $184,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH133062-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986123 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing motivation deficits associated with mental health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have motivation-related issues or those with conditions unrelated to the neural mechanisms being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural signals that control motivation and reward-seeking behaviors, which are often impaired in mental health disorders. Using a novel rodent task, the study examines how animals respond to different reward options and how their motivation changes when the size of these rewards is altered. By categorizing the animals based on their reward-seeking strategies, researchers aim to uncover the underlying neural mechanisms that contribute to motivation deficits. This approach could lead to a better understanding of how these behaviors are regulated in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into the biological basis of motivation deficits, potentially leading to new treatments for mental health disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding motivation and reward-seeking behaviors in animal models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas San Antonio
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wanat, Matthew J. — University of Texas San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Wanat, Matthew J.
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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.