Exploring how fentanyl causes severe breathing problems and death in rats.
Official title: Identifying novel molecular targets, signaling pathways and mechanisms underlying fentanyl overdose-induced severe respiratory depression and lethality in rats using TMT phosphoproteomics/proteomics
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10831163 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fentanyl affects breathing and can lead to serious problems, using rat models to learn more about the body's responses, which could help develop better treatments for people who overdose on opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $471,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DA059061-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10831163 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals at risk of opioid overdose, particularly those using fentanyl or similar potent opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not using opioids or are not at risk of overdose may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular targets and signaling pathways involved in severe respiratory depression and lethality caused by fentanyl overdose using advanced techniques like TMT phosphoproteomics and proteomics. By studying rat models, the research aims to understand how fentanyl affects respiratory regulation and the role of mu opioid receptors and other mechanisms in this process. The findings could provide insights into the complex interactions between opioids and the respiratory system, potentially leading to improved treatments for overdose situations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of fentanyl overdoses, ultimately saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding opioid-induced respiratory depression, but this specific approach using TMT phosphoproteomics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pan, Ying-Xian — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Pan, Ying-Xian
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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.