# A role for hypothalamic dopamine in predicting homeostatic need

> **NIH NIH F32** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $60,667

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 In order to efficiently control energy homeostasis, the brain makes predictions about future
caloric needs and food availability in order to invigorate food-seeking behavior. It is well
established that dopamine neurons play a crucial role in this process, as they communicate
prediction error signals to central reward centers, such as the nucleus accumbens. This process
reinforces learning and aids in the development of reward-seeking behavior in response to
environmental cues. Dopamine release in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) - a primary
homeostatic control center, has been reported. However, it is unknown if dopamine in LHA
encodes prediction errors to guide food-seeking behavior. Further, the source of LHA dopamine
is currently unknown. In this proposal we aim to characterize the role of dopamine in LHA and
test the hypothesis that LHA receives prediction error signals from dopamine neurons in the
ventral tegmental area. The experiments in this proposal will reveal a novel neural circuit and
define a new role for dopamine in feeding behavior.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10795652
- **Project number:** 5F32DK135313-02
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Michael Schaid
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $60,667
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-04-01 → 2025-01-01

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10795652

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10795652, A role for hypothalamic dopamine in predicting homeostatic need (5F32DK135313-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10795652. Licensed CC0.

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