CAREER: Neuropeptides and Motivated Behavior: Neuroethological Studies

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Lay Abstract PI: Miller, Mark Proposal Number: IBN-9722349 Many goal-oriented behaviors are said to be "motivated" as their occurrence depends upon both extrinsic factors (such as the presence of food) and the intrinsic state of the organism (such as the level of hunger or satiety). This investigation relates the activities of specific brain cells and the connections between them to the generation of complex motivated patterns of behavior. The project focuses on the role of chemical substances called neuropeptides, which modulate the activity of these nervous system cells during motivated behavior such as eating. The studies are conducted as part of an undergraduate summer program at the Institute of Neurobiology in San Juan, Puerto Rico so that every step of the research program involves undergraduates. Most organisms, including humans, exhibit a variety of motivated behaviors. This project investigates the fundamental principles underlying the brain mechanisms controlling such behaviors. By coupling the research to the undergraduate summer research program, the project provides students with access to hands-on research opportunities and experiences that were previously inaccessible to students at the host institution.