How brain cells influence cocaine-seeking behavior
Official title: Astrocyte-mediated regulation of cocaine-generated synapses during cocaine seeking
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10906646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain brain cells called astrocytes help control the connections between nerve cells when someone who has stopped using cocaine starts craving it again, with the hope of finding better ways to help people struggling with addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA056213-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906646 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with cocaine addiction or those who have experienced relapse during recovery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by cocaine addiction or those who have not experienced substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in regulating the connections between neurons during the process of seeking cocaine after a period of abstinence. By using a rodent model, the study examines how these glial cells interact with synapses in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region associated with addiction. The goal is to understand the mechanisms behind relapse and drug-seeking behavior, which could lead to new treatment strategies for substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that help prevent relapse in individuals recovering from cocaine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on astrocytes in cocaine-seeking behavior is relatively novel, previous research has shown success in understanding the role of glial cells in addiction-related behaviors.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zinsmaier, Alexander — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Zinsmaier, Alexander
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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.