Understanding how dopamine pathways affect decision making
Official title: Contribution of non-canonical dopamine pathways to model-based learning
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11016955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain pathways that use dopamine help people make decisions, especially for those with substance use disorders who may find it hard to make good choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $585,792 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057084-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016955 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with substance use disorders who experience difficulties in decision-making and adaptive behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without substance use disorders or those who do not exhibit decision-making deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific dopamine pathways in the brain that influence how individuals make decisions based on expected outcomes. By exploring the connections between dopamine neurons and brain regions like the amygdala and hypothalamus, the study aims to uncover the neural circuits that support flexible decision-making processes. This is particularly relevant for individuals with substance use disorders, as they often struggle with making adaptive choices. The research employs advanced techniques to map these pathways and understand their contributions to behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals with substance use disorders by enhancing our understanding of decision-making deficits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding dopamine pathways and their impact on behavior, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wassum, Kate M — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Wassum, Kate 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.