How brain support cells (astrocytes) influence genes linked to nicotine use
Role of glial expression in nicotine behaviors for genes identified through human GWAS
Finding out whether genes tied to smoking change how brain support cells affect nicotine use, which could help people trying to quit.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181311 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use genes identified in large human genetic studies to see how those genes act in astrocytes, a type of brain support cell. They will alter gene activity in animal models and may use targeted tools such as antisense oligonucleotides to change astrocyte function. The team will measure nicotine-related behaviors like reward and withdrawal to link human genetics to cell-type effects. The aim is to reveal biological mechanisms that could point to new quitting treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who use tobacco or nicotine products (including e-cigarettes) and want better quitting options would be the eventual beneficiaries and potential candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People who do not use nicotine or who need immediate quitting support are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for medicines or therapies that help people quit nicotine and ease withdrawal.
How similar studies have performed: Some animal studies link astrocytes to nicotine behaviors and antisense approaches have worked in other brain disorders, but using GWAS-guided astrocyte targeting for smoking is a relatively new strategy.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado — Boulder, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ehringer, Marissa a — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Ehringer, Marissa a
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.