How opioid use changes the brain protein tau
Functional consequences of the interactions between tau protein and opioids
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11184320
This project looks at whether and how opioid use changes a brain protein called tau and what those changes might mean for people who use opioids or have Alzheimer’s risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11184320 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how opioid exposure alters tau phosphorylation and oligomerization in brain tissue and laboratory models, with a focus on the prefrontal cortex. The team will use molecular tools (including AAV vectors) and cellular or animal models to track biochemical and neurotransmission changes that happen before obvious tau pathology. They will link those molecular changes to neurobehavioral effects relevant to opioid use and cognitive function. The goal is to determine whether opioid-driven tau changes are biologically meaningful rather than just a byproduct of drug exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who currently use opioids or have opioid use disorder, and older adults concerned about Alzheimer’s risk, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated medical conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatment for Alzheimer’s symptoms are unlikely to benefit directly from this early laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat brain changes caused by opioid use and reduce related cognitive or addiction harms.
How similar studies have performed: Prior clinical and preclinical studies have reported that opioid use raises phosphorylated tau levels, but whether those tau changes drive neurobehavioral problems remains unclear and this project builds on those early findings.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ATWOOD, BRADY — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: ATWOOD, BRADY
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia