Examining cortical systems involved in modulating calorie-seeking behavior

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With the advent of methods to non-invasively modulate and measure brain activity in the laboratory, never before have we been in the position of unpacking the critical mechanisms underlying indulgent eating. Likewise, with the understanding of links between indulgent eating and many adverse health outcomes, never before has it been more critical to generate new knowledge in this area of enquiry, in order to ensure that our preventative efforts are informed by basic science (rather than popular opinion or convention). The overall objectives of my continuing research program are to build and further consolidate this knowledge base, bridging the gap between basic and applied research on eating, using techniques from social neuroscience, psychological science and basic behavioral science. Our studies will endeavor to test the significance of two brain regions to control different aspects of indulgent eating, either independently or working together: the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. The research program that we have proposed will be among the first to systematically examine multiple putative mechanisms by which such brain regions are involved, by actually manipulating the function of these experimentally, using a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with a portable brain imaging technology (functional near-infrared spectroscopy). While doing so, we also will attempt to make a number of methodological refinements that will serve to move the whole field forward in the conduct of basic research on eating involving the brain systems of interest here. There is much need in Canada for training programs that provide training in rTMS, brain imaging, and eating research and we are well situated to do this. Although many labs make use of fMRI for brain imaging, our protocol uses a mobile version of brain imaging that may be particularly useful for studying brain processes during eating in realistic conditions that are not replicable in an fMRI scanner. Canada as a country will benefit from an improved knowledge base upon which to base disease prevention efforts, many of which have a critical focus on curbing indulgent eating. Trainees at the graduate and undergraduate level will benefit from gaining skills in brain modulation (rTMS) and portable brain imaging research protocols, and an opportunity to contribute to this rapidly growing area of scientific inquiry.