How brain support cells affect neurons during morphine withdrawal
Official title: The molecular mechanisms of astrocytes-neurons interaction in the morphine use disorder
Funded at Miami VA Health Care System · NIH-11212755 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Looks at how astrocytes (brain support cells) and their signals change during morphine withdrawal in people with opioid use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami VA Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005114-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11212755 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with opioid use disorder, particularly those experiencing morphine withdrawal and veterans receiving care for opioid problems, would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without opioid dependence or whose symptoms are not driven by neuroinflammation are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, this project studies the biology behind morphine withdrawal by examining how astrocytes release inflammatory signals that change neuron behavior. The team will use laboratory and preclinical methods to measure a protein called LCN2 from astrocytes and its receptor on neurons in a brain region called the periaqueductal gray. They will also study epigenetic and mitochondrial markers in neurons, such as EZH2, pCREB, and Sirt3, and relate these molecular changes to withdrawal-related behaviors. The work aims to connect molecular signals to the physical and behavioral signs of withdrawal so new treatments can be developed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets that lead to new treatments to reduce morphine withdrawal symptoms and lower relapse risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal and lab studies link astrocyte-driven inflammation to withdrawal, but targeting the LCN2–EZH2 pathway in this context is a newer approach with limited prior human data.
Where this research is happening
-
Miami VA Health Care System
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hao, Shuanglin — Miami VA Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Hao, Shuanglin
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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.