11.2022 - 02.2026

Project Study of the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying sign-tracker and goal-tracker behavioral phenotypes in a associative learning model for appetitive stimuli

The project studies risk and protection factors for central nervous system pathologies through mouse models of compulsive eating behaviors. The research is divided into two phases: first, application of behavioral paradigms to identify three phenotypes (sign-tracking, goal-tracking, hybrid) based on attention towards conditioned or unconditional stimuli; second, analysis of the brain regions involved in processing the value of stimuli during learning, consolidation and extinction. Molecular analysis using immunohistochemistry evaluates the expression of neuroplasticity, learning and memory markers in brain areas identified as critical, allowing behavioral phenotypes to be correlated with neural activity and identifying potential protective or risk factors for CNS disorders.

The impact of this research on health and care could be significant in various areas such as Eating Disorders and Addictions, identifying predictive biomarkers for eating, substance and impulse control disorders, and in Personalized Medicine, allowing the development of strategies personalized therapies based on the behavioral phenotype. 

Settori Scientifico Disciplinari

BIO/14  PHARMACOLOGY

Spoke 4 : Perception and Brain-Body Interaction