Understanding how specific brain circuits influence arousal and motivation
Official title: Functional circuit dissection of the Hcrt system
Funded at Central Michigan University · NIH-11218716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that help control wakefulness and motivation work together, which could help us understand and improve treatments for conditions that affect energy and drive, like depression or narcolepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Central Michigan University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mount Pleasant, United States) |
| Project start | November 16, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $81,373 |
| NIH project number | 3R21MH135326-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11218716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing neuropsychiatric disorders that affect arousal and motivation, such as anxiety disorders or substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to arousal or motivation, or those not experiencing neuropsychiatric disorders, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the hypocretin (Hcrt) system, which plays a crucial role in regulating arousal and motivated behaviors. By using advanced tools to manipulate neural circuits, the study aims to uncover how different subsets of Hcrt neurons interact with brain areas responsible for arousal and reward. This could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of various neuropsychiatric disorders linked to arousal and motivation. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how these circuits function and how they might be targeted for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating disorders related to arousal and motivation, such as anxiety and substance abuse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neural circuits in behavior, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hochgeschwender, Ute H — Central Michigan University
- Study coordinator: Hochgeschwender, Ute H
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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.