Cholinergic interneuron D2 receptors and impulsive behavior in cocaine use
Official title: Cholinergic interneuron D2 receptor function in impulsive behavior: implications for addiction
Funded at Fordham University · NIH-11333815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether D2 receptors in cholinergic neurons in the brain’s nucleus accumbens influence impulsive actions and relapse risk in cocaine users or models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fordham University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $418,531 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055018-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with cocaine use disorder or appropriate animal models, who could contribute to understanding impulsivity and relapse mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to cocaine-related impulse control issues or without participation in related animal studies may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
Researchers will use cell-specific methods to see how D2 receptors in cholinergic interneurons affect impulsive choices and cocaine-driven increases in impulsivity. By focusing on a small, key brain cell type, the study aims to map how these receptors change acetylcholine release and behavior. The findings could point to new targets for reducing cocaine relapse and improving impulse control. The work combines animal and/or human-relevant models to connect cellular changes with behavior related to addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify new brain targets to help people resist cocaine cravings and reduce relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have linked nucleus accumbens D2 receptors to impulsivity and addiction, with cell-type-specific approaches offering promising insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Fordham University
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gallo, Eduardo Francisco — Fordham University
- Study coordinator: Gallo, Eduardo Francisco
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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.