How nicotine receptors influence cocaine use
Cholinergic mechanisms of cocaine reinforcement probed with nicotinic receptor gene editing
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11229572
Researchers are testing whether changing specific nicotine receptors in the brain alters cocaine reward in rats to help explain why tobacco use and cocaine addiction often occur together.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11229572 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From the patient perspective, this project uses rats to explore how nicotine-sensitive receptors in brain reward circuits affect cocaine-taking behavior. Scientists will use targeted gene-editing tools to reduce or remove particular nicotinic receptor types in selected nerve cells and confirm those changes with cellular recordings and fiber photometry. They will then measure how those manipulations change cocaine self-administration in rats, replicate key findings, and in a later phase dig deeper into the underlying mechanisms. The work aims to validate molecular tools and link cell-type-specific receptor changes to behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cocaine use disorder, particularly those who also use tobacco or nicotine products, are the group most likely to benefit from future treatments informed by this research.
Not a fit: Because this project uses rats and lab experiments, it will not directly provide treatment or immediate benefit to current patients right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new brain receptor targets for treating cocaine use disorder, especially for people who also smoke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies link nicotine receptors to stimulant reward, but using cell-type-specific gene editing to change cocaine self-administration is a relatively novel and preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES
- WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DRENAN, RYAN MICHAEL — WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: DRENAN, RYAN MICHAEL
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.