Integrative studies of motivation
Research in the DiLeone Lab covers a broad range of motivated behaviors (food intake, drug intake, movement/physical activity) and leverages the strength of the mouse model to identify mechanisms- from the molecular to computation levels. DiLeone has a long-standing interest in body-brain crosstalk and how this influences our daily decisions about food and drugs of abuse that dramatically impact our performance and health. The DiLeone Lab collaborates with several translational studies to better connect mouse and human data. Recent interests also include understanding the neurobiological basis influencing the motivation for voluntary physical activity in rodent models (exercise in humans). Integrating and considering physiological states will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of decision-making and motivated behaviors most relevant to the human condition.