Developing new methods to monitor brain proteins related to substance use disorders
Official title: New Technology for In Vivo Monitoring the Brain Extracellular Proteome at High Spatial Resolution in Substance Abuse Models
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10798157 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drug use affects proteins in the brain to better understand addiction, using new methods to collect and analyze these proteins, which could help improve treatment for people struggling with substance use disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $226,448 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA057617-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10798157 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with substance use disorders who are willing to participate in studies involving brain monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have substance use disorders or those who are not willing to undergo in vivo monitoring may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create innovative techniques for sampling and analyzing proteins released into the brain's extracellular space, particularly in the context of substance use disorders. By understanding how these proteins change in response to drug use, researchers hope to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of addiction. The study utilizes advanced in vivo sampling methods, such as microdialysis, to track protein dynamics, which has previously been challenging due to low recovery rates. This approach could significantly enhance our understanding of how substance use affects brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for diagnosing and treating substance use disorders by providing deeper insights into the biochemical changes in the brain.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of monitoring neurotransmitters has shown success, the specific focus on tracking proteins in the brain extracellular space is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kennedy, Robert T — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Kennedy, Robert T
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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.