Understanding how the brain helps us avoid negative experiences
Official title: Investigating the role of the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) in negative reinforcement learning
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10898392 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain helps people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) learn to avoid things that make them feel bad, using mice to understand how this works, which could lead to better treatments for those who find it hard to manage their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30MH134471-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898392 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder who experience significant anxiety and compulsive behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with OCD who have not been diagnosed or those whose symptoms are not primarily driven by avoidance behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific brain region, the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC), in how individuals learn to avoid negative experiences, particularly in the context of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). By studying mice, the researchers will monitor and manipulate the activity of mOFC neurons while the animals learn to avoid predicted punishments. This approach aims to uncover the cellular and circuit-level mechanisms that drive avoidance behaviors, which could lead to improved treatments for OCD. The findings may help explain why some patients struggle with existing therapies that aim to reduce compulsive behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, particularly those who do not respond well to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting the mOFC for reducing avoidance behaviors, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights and advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chamberlain, Brittany Lynn — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Chamberlain, Brittany Lynn
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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.