How opioid use changes brain circuits that control decisions and drug-seeking
Official title: Opioid-induced dysregulation of cortico-striatal circuits
Funded at Marquette University · NIH-11324628 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how opioid exposure alters brain pathways that affect decision-making and strong drug-seeking, with attention to differences between males and females.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marquette University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $328,292 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055956-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324628 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with opioid use or opioid use disorder, especially those who experience poor decision-making, strong drug craving, or repeated relapse, would be the most relevant population for these findings.
✕Less likely to help
People without opioid exposure, or whose problems stem solely from social or medical issues unrelated to brain-circuit changes, may not directly benefit from this specific line of work.
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers use laboratory models of opioid self-administration to mimic patterns of drug use and then measure changes in brain cells and circuits tied to decision-making and motivation. They focus on connections between the prelimbic (prefrontal) cortex and striatum that help control flexible thinking and goal-directed behavior. The team compares people-like differences by studying both sexes and links circuit changes to behaviors such as perseveration and high motivation for drug. Findings aim to reveal why only some individuals develop addictive behaviors and why females may show faster or stronger changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat opioid addiction by targeting the specific brain-circuit problems that drive compulsive drug seeking.
How similar studies have gone: Animal studies have previously linked prefrontal hypofunction to addictive behaviors and shown circuit changes, but translating those findings into effective human treatments remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hearing, Matthew Carl — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Hearing, Matthew Carl
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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.