Understanding how natural opioids affect motivation in the brain
Official title: Investigating non-canonical mechanisms of endogenous opioids on motivation in dorsal midbrain
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11017075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how natural opioids in the brain affect our motivation and behavior, which could help us understand changes in motivation seen in mental health conditions, and it might lead to new treatments that could help people feel more motivated.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 9, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $445,276 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132504-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who may be experiencing motivational issues related to mental health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to motivation or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of natural opioids in specific areas of the brain that influence motivation and behavior. By examining how these opioids interact with neural circuits, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could explain changes in motivation seen in various mental health conditions. The research employs advanced techniques, including CRISPR-Cas9, to manipulate opioid activity and observe its effects on behaviors such as appetite and motivation. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for mental health disorders related to motivation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating mental health conditions characterized by motivational deficits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding opioid mechanisms in motivation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castro, Daniel Charles — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Castro, Daniel Charles
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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.