Genetic and Epigenetic Drivers of Cocaine Addiction in Brain Cells
Official title: The Genetic and Epigenetic Interplay of Cocaine Addiction: A Cell-Type, Circuitry, and Functional Dissection
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11372847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how genes and their chemical markings change in the brain after cocaine use, using mice to understand why addiction develops.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $492,000 |
| NIH project number | 5DP1DA061008-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372847 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants would be individuals with or at risk for cocaine use disorder in future translational steps, or anyone affected by cocaine addiction seeking better treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Preliminary findings in mice may not directly translate to humans in the short term.
What this research studies
Researchers will look at how cocaine changes DNA packaging and gene regulation in specific brain cells after self-administration in mice. They will map epigenetic marks and chromatin accessibility to identify regulatory networks involved in cocaine-related brain changes. The study also uses diverse mouse strains to see how genetic background influences these epigenetic responses and addiction vulnerability. Advanced computational methods will integrate genomics data to reveal mechanisms that could become targets for future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these epigenetic mechanisms could lead to new approaches for preventing or treating cocaine use disorder in people.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that epigenetic changes and gene regulation play a role in addiction-like behaviors, supporting this direction.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Zhuzhu — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Zhuzhu
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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.