How cocaine exposure during adolescence affects brain function and behavior
Official title: Mechanisms of mGlu1 regulation of cortical inhibition and cognitive function: Implications in adolescent cocaine exposure
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11052465 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how using cocaine during teenage years affects memory and thinking skills, and it aims to find ways to help improve brain function for those dealing with cocaine addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $144,235 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DA058712-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052465 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and adults who have a history of cocaine use or exposure during their teenage years.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never used cocaine or are not within the adolescent to adult age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of cocaine use during adolescence on cognitive functions such as memory and flexibility. It focuses on understanding how cocaine exposure affects specific brain cells that regulate inhibition in the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for cognitive processes. By using advanced techniques and tools, the study aims to explore potential treatments that could enhance brain function and mitigate cognitive deficits caused by adolescent cocaine use. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for individuals struggling with cocaine addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new treatment options to improve cognitive function in individuals affected by adolescent cocaine exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of cocaine on cognitive function, but this specific approach using mGlu1 modulators is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luessen, Deborah Joyce — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Luessen, Deborah Joyce
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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.