How gut bacteria influence amphetamine use disorders
Official title: Microbial Biofilms as Regulators of Amphetamine Use Disorders
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11052604 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain gut bacteria might influence the effects of amphetamines in people with amphetamine use disorders, hoping to find new ways to help treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $222,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA059844-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052604 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of amphetamine use or those diagnosed with amphetamine use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use amphetamines or have no history of substance abuse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between microbial biofilms and amphetamine use disorders. It explores how certain bacteria in the gut, particularly Fusobacterium nucleatum, may enhance the effects of amphetamines by affecting dopamine levels in the brain. The study aims to understand the feedback loop between amphetamine use and changes in gut bacteria, which could lead to new treatment strategies. By examining animal models and human samples, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind this interaction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for individuals struggling with amphetamine use disorders by targeting gut bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: While the interaction between the microbiome and drug use is a growing field, this specific approach focusing on amphetamines and gut bacteria is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carter, Angela Michelle — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Carter, Angela Michelle
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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.