How a brain protein affects nicotine receptors
Visinin-like protein-1 modulation of nicotinic receptors
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS · NIH-11172435
This project looks at whether changing a brain protein can reduce nicotine-driven brain sensitivity in adults trying to quit smoking.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FAIRBANKS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11172435 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I'm trying to quit smoking, this project is looking at a brain protein called visinin-like protein-1 (VILIP-1) to see how it changes nicotine-sensitive receptors in the brain. The team will study how VILIP-1 affects the α4β2 nicotinic receptor forms that can make reward circuits overly sensitive after nicotine exposure, using laboratory experiments and likely human-derived samples. By understanding whether adjusting VILIP-1 can shift receptors back toward a less sensitive state, researchers hope to identify new biological targets to reduce cravings and relapse. This is early-stage, mechanism-focused work rather than a clinical test of a new drug in people right away.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) who currently smoke cigarettes and want help quitting would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People who do not smoke or whose nicotine use is driven by unrelated factors are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new treatments that lower nicotine cravings and improve long-term quit rates.
How similar studies have performed: Medications that target nicotinic receptors (for example, varenicline) have helped many people quit, but modulating VILIP-1 is a newer, largely untested approach in humans.
Where this research is happening
FAIRBANKS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS — FAIRBANKS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WELTZIN, MAEGAN M — UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS
- Study coordinator: WELTZIN, MAEGAN 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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia