Cholinergic Dysregulation and Cognitive Flexibility in Cocaine Use Disorder
Official title: Cholinergic Dysregulation of Cognitive Flexibility in Cocaine Use Disorder
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11455953 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research study explores how cocaine changes brain signaling to affect flexible thinking and decision-making in people with cocaine use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $675,247 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA064912-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455953 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with cocaine use disorder or related addictive pathology who may benefit from improved cognitive flexibility
✕Less likely to help
This research may not directly benefit individuals without cocaine use disorder or those not participating in neurocognitive research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how cocaine alters brain circuits in the dorsomedial striatum, especially how dopamine-related pathways and acetylcholine signaling influence flexible behavior. Researchers will study how cocaine exposure changes the connections between specific brain cells to impair reversal learning and adaptive choices. The work uses a combination of human-relevant concepts and animal or cellular models to map the neural changes behind cognitive inflexibility in cocaine use. By identifying the neural steps that disrupt CINs and their control over cortical inputs, the study aims to uncover targets that could improve cognitive flexibility in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide new approaches to restore cognitive flexibility in people with cocaine use disorder, potentially supporting better treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that changes in striatal circuits can influence cognitive flexibility, with ongoing research building toward targeted interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Jun — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wang, Jun
Related research
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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.