How natural opioids affect brain circuits involved in epilepsy
Official title: Functional roles of endogenous opioid peptides in hippocampal circuitry
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11056805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how natural opioids in the brain might affect communication between brain cells in the hippocampus, which is important for understanding epilepsy, and it’s designed for anyone interested in how these brain processes could influence the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS127592-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with epilepsy or those at risk of developing epilepsy, particularly adults over the age of 21.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have epilepsy or related neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of natural opioids, specifically dynorphin and enkephalin, in the brain's hippocampal circuitry, which is crucial for understanding epilepsy. By using advanced techniques such as mouse genetics and biosensor technology, the research aims to explore how these opioids influence neuronal communication and circuit dynamics in both healthy and diseased states. The goal is to uncover the physiological mechanisms of opioid signaling and its potential impact on epilepsy development and progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the treatment and management of epilepsy by targeting opioid signaling pathways.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of opioids in brain function is well-established, this specific investigation into endogenous opioid peptides in the context of epilepsy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Warikoo, Natasha — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Warikoo, Natasha
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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.