Astrocyte dopamine signals affecting reward circuits and relapse
Cellular and Behavioral Function of Astrocytic Dopamine Signaling
This work looks at whether dopamine signals in brain support cells (astrocytes) change how reward cues trigger drug-seeking and relapse, studied in animal models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321224 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses animal models to study how dopamine acting on astrocytes in the nucleus accumbens changes cue-driven reward seeking and cocaine relapse. In live animals, researchers pair neutral cues with rewards or cocaine and measure how those cues drive seeking and relapse-like behavior. They will examine brain tissue and slices to see how astrocyte dopamine D1 receptors alter synaptic communication between hippocampus, amygdala, and accumbens neurons. The team links those cellular and synaptic changes back to the animals' behavior to identify mechanisms that might be targeted later.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cocaine use disorder or others concerned about cue-triggered relapse may find the results relevant to future treatments.
Not a fit: Because this is laboratory work in animals, patients should not expect direct or immediate treatment benefits from this grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new cellular targets for therapies to reduce cue-triggered relapse in addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows astrocytes have dopamine receptors, but linking astrocyte D1 signaling to cue-driven relapse is a relatively new and largely untested area.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dong, Yan — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Dong, Yan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.