How a brain calcium channel helps fade cocaine-linked memories
Investigating the mechanistic contribution of Cav1.2 channels in extinction of cocaine-associated memories
This work looks at whether a specific brain calcium channel (Cav1.2) helps weaken the strong environment-linked memories that trigger relapse in people recovering from cocaine addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259482 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, this project studies how Cav1.2 L-type calcium channels in the dorsal hippocampus influence the fading (extinction) of cocaine-associated memories that can cause relapse. Scientists will use laboratory models to observe brain activity and behavior while manipulating these channels to see how memories are reduced. The team will measure changes in memory-related brain signals and behavior after interventions that alter Cav1.2 function. Findings aim to reveal targets that could eventually be tested in treatments to reduce cue-driven relapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future clinical work would be people with a history of cocaine dependence who experience relapse triggered by places, people, or other drug-associated cues.
Not a fit: People whose relapse is driven mainly by factors other than cue-associated memories (for example, unmanaged withdrawal, co-occurring severe mental illness, or polysubstance dependence) may not benefit from approaches focused on this memory mechanism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could point to new ways to reduce the powerful drug-related memories that often cause relapse after treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies link L-type calcium channels to learning and memory extinction, but translating these findings into proven human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Temple Univ of the Commonwealth — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajadhyaksha, Anjali M — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Rajadhyaksha, Anjali M
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.