How daily rhythms in brain activity affect drug-taking behaviors
Official title: Rhythms in Cholinergic Interneuron Activity Mediate Drug-Taking Behaviors
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10899074 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our body's natural daily rhythms affect drug use and cravings, focusing on a specific part of the brain that plays a big role in addiction, to help find better ways to support people dealing with substance use issues.
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, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32DA060613-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899074 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing substance use disorders, particularly those who also have sleep disturbances or irregular daily rhythms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have substance use disorders or those with stable, healthy circadian rhythms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between circadian rhythms and substance use disorders (SUDs), focusing on how daily patterns in brain activity influence drug-taking and craving behaviors. The study examines the role of cholinergic interneurons in the nucleus accumbens, a key brain region involved in addiction, and how disruptions in these rhythms may contribute to SUDs. By analyzing the firing patterns of neurons and their impact on dopamine release, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to improved treatment options for individuals struggling with addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that align with patients' natural rhythms, potentially improving outcomes for those with substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding circadian rhythms can significantly impact treatment approaches for various disorders, suggesting potential success for this novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stowe, Taylor Ashley — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Stowe, Taylor Ashley
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair
A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.
-
Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve
This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.
-
Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development
This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.
-
Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments
This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.
-
Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy
A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.
-
Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients
Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.
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.