Understanding how the insular cortex influences motivation and behavior
Official title: Circuit architecture and dynamics of the insular cortex underlying motivational behaviors
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10729654 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a part of the brain called the insular cortex to understand how different types of brain cells help shape our motivations and behaviors, which could help us learn more about what drives our feelings and actions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,680,497 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS133599-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10729654 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing motivational or emotional challenges, particularly those with conditions like depression or anxiety disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with purely physical health issues unrelated to motivation or emotional regulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the insular cortex, a brain region that plays a crucial role in integrating information about the body's internal state and external environment to influence motivation and behavior. By examining the activity of individual neurons within this area, the study aims to uncover how different types of neurons contribute to motivated behaviors. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques to classify neuronal types and their connections, as well as measure the effects of neuromodulators like dopamine on these circuits. This work could provide insights into the neural mechanisms that drive motivation and emotional responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating conditions related to motivation and emotional regulation, such as depression or anxiety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the insular cortex in motivation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mao, Tianyi — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Mao, Tianyi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how a protein affects nerve cell movement in Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how a protein called APP affects the growth and movement of nerve cells, which is important for understanding Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find out how problems with this protein might lead to nerve cell damage.
-
Understanding how the bone marrow environment drives AML resistance
A large NIH-funded project at Oregon Health & Science University is studying how the body’s own cell surroundings help acute myeloid leukemia become resistant to treatment, with potential paths to better therapies for patients.
-
Improving Safety at Work with a Low-Resource mHealth Program in Malaysia (and beyond)
A low-cost mobile health program to improve safety culture in Malaysian workplaces, with plans to adapt the approach for U.S. workers in high-risk industries.
-
Oregon Healthy Workplace Initiative for Better Health
A multi-site effort aims to improve the health and safety of workers by coordinating research, tools, and interventions across workplaces.
-
Understanding how AML cells become resistant to therapy over time
This project looks at why acute myeloid leukemia stops responding to treatment and how to design better drug combinations to prevent relapse.
-
Mechanisms and Countermeasures for Ultra-Potent Synthetic Opioid Overdose
A small, focused NIH grant aims to understand why ultra-potent synthetic opioids cause severe overdose and to explore potential countermeasures to keep people safe.
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.