# Investigating dopaminergic neuronal circuits mediating circadian entrainment to scheduled feeding

> **NIH NIH SC3** · CALIFORNIA STATE POLY U POMONA · 2021 · $110,250

## Abstract

Project Summary
This project follows up on our recent research implicating the neurotransmitter dopamine
signaling as key mediator of circadian timing systems. Our main hypothesis is a
subpopulation of dopaminergic neurons send signals to a population of dopamine type 1
receptor 1 (D1r)-expressing neurons in the dorsal striatum, constituting a critical link
between food intake and circadian rhythms of daily activity. To address this hypothesis
we propose to generate several genetically modified mice and test their behavioral and
physiological entrainment to scheduled feeding. These results will expand our
understanding of how the downstream targets of dopamine neurons control several
important aspects of feeding related behaviors. In addition, since there are numerous
dopaminergic drugs available, this research may suggest potential therapeutic strategies
to target diseases associated with over- and under-eating.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10093069
- **Project number:** 5SC3GM125570-04
- **Recipient organization:** CALIFORNIA STATE POLY U POMONA
- **Principal Investigator:** Andrew David Steele
- **Activity code:** SC3 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $110,250
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-02-13 → 2023-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10093069

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10093069, Investigating dopaminergic neuronal circuits mediating circadian entrainment to scheduled feeding (5SC3GM125570-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10093069. Licensed CC0.

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