Decoding peptidergic programming of the dopamine epigenome in substance use disorder
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11420831 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how peptide signals change dopamine-related brain changes that contribute to substance use disorder and why this makes treating the condition hard.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $480,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP1DA066918-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420831 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with substance use disorder may benefit from future therapies derived from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefits are not expected for people without substance use disorder.
What this research studies
This project looks at how certain peptide messages influence dopamine neurons and their epigenetic programming to drive substance use disorder. By studying these molecular signals and chromatin changes, researchers hope to identify new targets for therapies that could reduce craving and relapse. The work combines molecular biology with brain-cell analysis to connect peptide signaling to long-term changes in gene activity. If successful, it could point to novel peptide-based approaches to support people struggling with addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new peptide-based therapies that reshape dopamine signaling and brain plasticity to help with addiction treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows that manipulating specific signaling pathways can alter dopamine-related plasticity, suggesting potential for similar peptide-based approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Titos Vivancos, Iris — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Titos Vivancos, Iris
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Co-treated care for substance use and heart infection at UVMMC
A hospital-based project aims to improve how doctors and teams treat people with both substance use disorder and infective endocarditis during their hospital stay.
-
Genetics study of methamphetamine use disorder in Thai people
A genetics study in Thailand is looking at how genes may influence methamphetamine use disorder and related behaviors.
-
PROTECT-ED: Rapid care connects people just released from jail to HIV and overdose prevention
A program in the emergency department helps people who just left jail get started on medications for opioid use disorder and HIV prevention right away and connect them to ongoing care.
-
Justice Core: Helping pregnant women with substance use get treatment while in jail
A pragmatic trial will test whether a jail diversion program (Justice Core) improves access to treatment and perinatal outcomes for pregnant women with substance use issues compared to usual referral after jail release.
-
Adapting with Proactive SUD Intervention via Disease Intervention Specialists
A new program uses a proven outreach model to identify and connect people with substance use disorder to care earlier, by applying DIS tactics to SUD in communities.
-
ED-based Screening and Brief Intervention to Prevent Substance Use Disorder
A Purdue-led project will test if ED-based screening plus a brief in-person motivational talk and follow-up telehealth coaching can reduce risky substance use and prevent future disorder in diverse adults.
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.