Dopamine brain circuits that drive methamphetamine seeking
Dopamine Neuronal Microcircuits Controlling Methamphetamine Seeking Behavior
This work looks at how specific dopamine brain cells and their connections make mice seek methamphetamine, to better understand craving and relapse in people who use meth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11221910 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use mouse models that self-administer methamphetamine to mimic aspects of human drug seeking and relapse. They record and manipulate dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area using electrical recordings and label active cells genetically. The team will study mitochondrial metabolism, gene activity, and use bioinformatics to identify which microcircuits drive meth-seeking behavior. The project is led by an early-career investigator working with mentors at OMRF and collaborating institutions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll people; it is laboratory research in mice and does not recruit patients.
Not a fit: People currently seeking treatment for methamphetamine use should not expect direct or immediate benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific brain-cell targets that lead to new ways to reduce meth craving and prevent relapse.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal studies have identified dopamine circuits involved in drug seeking and helped guide later translational work, though moving from mice to effective human treatments remains challenging.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dominguez Lopez, Sergio — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Dominguez Lopez, Sergio
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 below.