How cocaine affects brain cells involved in addiction
Official title: Structural and functional responses of nucleus accumbens microglia following long-access cocaine self-administration
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10903218 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how long-term cocaine use affects certain brain cells that are important for addiction, hoping to find new ways to help people who struggle with cocaine use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,441 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DA060688-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903218 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of cocaine use or those who are not currently experiencing substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of long-term cocaine use on specific brain cells called microglia and astrocytes, which play a role in addiction. By examining these cells in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region associated with reward and addiction, the study aims to uncover the cellular changes that occur after cocaine self-administration and during periods of abstinence. The research utilizes animal models to explore these mechanisms, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating cocaine use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for cocaine use disorder, potentially reducing relapse rates and improving recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neuroglia in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bellinger, Tania Jazmine — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Bellinger, Tania Jazmine
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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.