Discovering new treatments for opioid addiction by targeting specific proteins in the brain
Official title: Nucleophile-Fragment Screening for Site-Specific Covalent Ligand Discovery in Opioid Receptor Signaling
Funded at Florida Atlantic University · NIH-11057601 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress and inflammation in the brain might affect people who struggle with opioid addiction, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat this condition by targeting specific proteins involved in how opioids work in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida Atlantic University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boca Raton, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $190,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA059363-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057601 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with opioid dependence or related substance abuse disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have substance abuse disorders or are not affected by opioid dependence may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain contribute to substance abuse disorders, particularly opioid dependence. It focuses on the role of reactive oxygen species and their interaction with specific proteins involved in opioid receptor signaling. By using a novel approach that targets oxidized cysteine residues in these proteins, the research aims to identify new covalent ligands that could improve treatment outcomes for addiction. Patients may benefit from potential new therapies that more effectively manage opioid dependence and its associated effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of innovative treatments for opioid addiction that target the underlying biochemical processes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting oxidized cysteine residues is relatively novel, there is emerging literature suggesting that similar strategies may have shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carroll, Kate Suzanne — Florida Atlantic University
- Study coordinator: Carroll, Kate Suzanne
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.