How early life challenges affect addiction behaviors through DNA changes.
Official title: Early resource scarcity effects on addiction-related behavior: a novel role for retrotransposons.
Funded at Georgia State University · NIH-10865746 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how experiences in early life might affect addiction behaviors later on by checking changes in certain DNA parts in the brain, especially in areas that deal with emotions and addiction, to help find new ways to prevent or treat substance use disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $158,256 |
| NIH project number | 1K99DA060266-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10865746 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have experienced early life adversity and may be struggling with addiction-related behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced early life adversity or do not have addiction-related behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how early life experiences can influence addiction-related behaviors later in life by examining changes in specific DNA elements called retrotransposons. The study will use advanced molecular techniques to identify where these DNA changes occur in the brain, particularly in the amygdala, which is involved in emotional responses and addiction. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to shed light on how environmental factors can lead to long-lasting effects on behavior related to substance use disorders. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new prevention or treatment strategies for addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights into preventing and treating addiction by understanding how early life experiences shape brain function and behavior.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of genetic factors in addiction, making this approach both innovative and grounded in existing scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia State University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cuarenta, Amelia — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Cuarenta, Amelia
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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.