Finding genes that influence compulsive oxycodone use
Use of Next-Gen Sequencing to Identify Genetic Variants that Influence compulsive Oxycodone Intake in Outbred Rats
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11307003
This project looks for genetic differences that might make some people more likely to develop compulsive oxycodone use.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11307003 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From the patient's perspective, researchers use many genetically diverse rats that self-administer oxycodone and read their DNA with next-generation sequencing to find gene variants linked to compulsive use. They have created an oxycodone biobank of tissues and samples so other scientists can study the brain and molecular changes without repeating long animal experiments. By increasing the number of animals sequenced, the team hopes to discover more gene regions and any sex-specific genetic effects. The goal is to uncover biological pathways that could guide future tests, risk markers, or treatments for opioid addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with current or past problems controlling oxycodone or other opioid use, or those with a family history of opioid addiction, are the most relevant population for the findings.
Not a fit: People whose health issues are unrelated to opioid use or who have never been exposed to opioids are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genetic targets or risk markers that help predict or guide new treatments for opioid addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical genetic studies have identified some candidate gene regions and this program has already reported loci in rats, but applying those findings to human care is still early.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GEORGE, OLIVIER — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: GEORGE, OLIVIER
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.