Understanding how dopamine affects motivation and decision making
Official title: Dissecting Modes of Dopamine Transmission and Their Roles in Reward Related Behaviors
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10900150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how dopamine in the brain affects our motivation and decision-making, which could help us understand and treat conditions like mental health issues and addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32DA060556-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing neuropsychiatric disorders or substance abuse issues related to dopamine dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to dopamine transmission or those not experiencing neuropsychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms of dopamine transmission in the brain, particularly how it influences motivation, reward learning, and decision-making behaviors. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques and electrophysiological recordings, the study aims to uncover the dynamics of dopamine release at a subcellular level, challenging previous beliefs about its signaling methods. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how disruptions in dopamine transmission contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders and substance abuse, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for neuropsychiatric diseases and substance abuse disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding dopamine signaling, but this approach aims to provide novel insights into its mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgregor, Matthew M — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Mcgregor, Matthew M
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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.