# Developmental and sex differences in modulation of nucleus accumbens activation

> **NIH NIH K01** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2021 · $165,197

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
This K01 proposal seeks to further the career of the Candidate (Dr. Meghan Martz) through a mentored
research project and training plan focused on innovative neuroimaging methods, advanced neural network
analysis, and a theoretical framework in cognitive neuroscience applied to substance use research. Real-time
functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf), which measures volitional control over
targeted brain activity, may provide a novel way to measure the differential timing of the earlier developed
reward system in relation to the more gradually maturing cognitive control system that contributes to risk-taking
behaviors during adolescence, such as alcohol use. Sex differences in this developmental imbalance, and in
substance use outcomes, have also been documented. This K01 proposal intends to extend research on
neural function involved in self-control of reward responding by examining if neuromodulation of the reward
system and neural networks involved in this system vary by age and sex. Developmental and sex differences
in the ability up- and down-regulate brain activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), a key brain region within
the reward system, through rtfMRI-nf will be tested at the University of Michigan in adolescents (n=100; 14–16
years old; 50% female) and young adults (n=100; 25–27 years old; 50% female). In the adolescent sample, the
interaction between cognitive control and reward responding measured by rtfMRI-nf and neural network
profiles will be examined as predictors of alcohol and drug use outcomes assessed over the course of two
years. The specific research aims are to: 1) characterize developmental and sex differences in volitional
control of the reward system using rtfMRI-nf to regulate NAcc activity; 2) examine developmental and sex
differences in neural network profiles associated with reward system regulation using dynamic causal
modeling (DCM) to assess effective connectivity with the NAcc during neurofeedback; and 3) investigate the
prospective association between reward system modulation and later alcohol and drug use outcomes
measured every six months for a two year period (exploratory aim). The following training objectives will
ensure that Dr. Martz will successfully achieve these aims and is equipped to become an independent
researcher: 1) acquire skills in the design, implementation, and analysis of rtfMRI-nf research; 2) obtain
training in neural network analysis and dynamic causal modeling; and 3) gain expertise in cognitive
neuroscience applied to substance use research. The training activities and mentorship outlined in the
Career Development Plan will ensure the completion of these objectives. Dr. Martz's short-term career goal is
to obtain new skills in advanced fMRI methodology and analyses in order to become an independent
investigator in substance use research. Her long-term career goal is to develop a comprehensive research
program to study neural correlates ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10161601
- **Project number:** 5K01AA027558-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Meghan Elizabeth Martz
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $165,197
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-06-20 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10161601

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10161601, Developmental and sex differences in modulation of nucleus accumbens activation (5K01AA027558-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10161601. Licensed CC0.

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