How genes control opioid receptors
Molecular genetic mechanisms of opioid receptor signaling
This project looks for genes that change how opioid receptors work using lab models to help guide safer pain treatments and addiction care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323108 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a tiny worm (C. elegans) engineered to carry the human mu-opioid receptor so the worms show opioid-like behaviors. They apply unbiased genetic screens to find genes that alter opioid responses such as sedation, tolerance, and dependence. Promising genes are then tested in rodent models to see if the same effects appear in mammals. The goal is to uncover molecular players that could become targets for safer opioids or treatments for opioid addiction and withdrawal.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with chronic pain who use opioid medicines and people with opioid use disorder are the groups most likely to benefit from the discoveries and could be candidates for future clinical studies.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by opioid-related pain or addiction, or those needing immediate clinical care, would not directly benefit from this lab-focused research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for pain medicines that relieve pain with less tolerance and addiction, and suggest therapies for opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Related cross-species genetic work has previously identified opioid receptor regulators that translated from worms to rodents, so the approach has yielded promising leads before.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Seattle Children's Hospital — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grill, Brock — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Grill, Brock
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.