Fixing harmful brain changes (G9a/GLP) that drive addiction
Biochemically counteracting maladaptive functions of G9a/GLP in addiction
Trying a biochemical approach to correct harmful brain changes linked to stimulant and opioid addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11312711 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies proteins called G9a and GLP that help control gene activity in the brain's reward center and can change after drug use. Researchers will use animal models and examine postmortem human brain tissue to determine which forms of G9a/GLP drive maladaptive, addiction-related changes. They will test biochemical ways to counteract the harmful forms while preserving normal functions. The goal is to identify safer molecular targets that could lead to future medications to reduce craving and relapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with stimulant (for example, cocaine or amphetamine) or opioid use disorder could ultimately benefit and might be candidates for future clinical trials based on these findings.
Not a fit: This early laboratory-focused project will not provide direct treatments to current patients and may not help individuals whose addiction is driven mainly by social or behavioral factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new molecular targets for drugs that reduce drug craving and relapse.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies and postmortem human work have linked G9a/GLP to addiction, but directly counteracting these proteins biochemically is largely novel and untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Al-Sady, Bassem — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Al-Sady, Bassem
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.