Effects of long-term fentanyl use on brain activity and gene expression
Official title: Impact of chronic, voluntary fentanyl intake on single-cell gene expression and brain-wide neuronal activity patterns
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10994005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how long-term use of fentanyl affects brain activity and gene behavior in a key area that helps us feel pleasure, with the goal of finding better ways to help people struggling with opioid addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $44,942 |
| NIH project number | 1F30DA061559-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of opioid use disorder or those who have experienced chronic opioid exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not used opioids or those with acute pain conditions unrelated to chronic opioid use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic voluntary intake of fentanyl affects gene expression and neuronal activity in the brain, particularly focusing on the nucleus accumbens, a region critical for reward processing. Using a rodent model, the study aims to analyze changes in gene expression and neural circuitry associated with sustained opioid use. By employing advanced techniques like single nuclei RNA sequencing, the research seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms that contribute to opioid use disorder, which could lead to improved treatment strategies for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the neural mechanisms of opioid use can lead to significant advancements in treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burke, Cassidy Taylor — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Burke, Cassidy Taylor
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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.