How genes linked to heavy cocaine use change dopamine in the brain
Official title: Intersecting genetic risk for extreme cocaine self-administration with dopamine neurotransmission
Funded at State University of Ny,binghamton · NIH-11260159 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how genetic differences tied to heavy cocaine use alter dopamine signaling in the brain to improve understanding of addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of Ny,binghamton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Binghamton, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DA055091-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11260159 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with cocaine use disorder or those with a family history suggesting genetic risk could ultimately benefit from findings or be candidates for follow-up human studies informed by this work.
✕Less likely to help
This project is preclinical animal research, so it does not offer immediate treatment or direct participation opportunities for patients seeking care now.
What this research studies
Researchers use specially bred mice that model extreme cocaine-taking to see how inherited gene differences change dopamine signals in the brain regions involved in reward. They focus on a candidate gene called Nav1 and on how many risk variants together affect dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. The team will measure dopamine using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and record/control neurons with optogenetics and fiber photometry. Results aim to explain why some people are more likely to use cocaine heavily and to point toward biological targets for future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal brain mechanisms and biological targets that guide development of new treatments to reduce heavy cocaine use or prevent relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies have linked genetics to dopamine signaling and drug-taking behavior, but translating those findings into human treatments remains at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
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State University of Ny,binghamton
Binghamton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bagley, Jared R — State University of Ny,binghamton
- Study coordinator: Bagley, Jared R
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.