How opioids affect brain signaling related to reward and addiction
Official title: Trans-synaptic control of GPCR signaling in opioid reward
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11141129 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how opioids affect the brain's reward system, especially focusing on a molecule called ELFN1, to help us understand what happens in the brain that can lead to opioid addiction, which could eventually help in finding better ways to prevent or treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $666,569 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA056414-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141129 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of opioid use or those at risk of developing opioid addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not opioid users or do not have a history of substance abuse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how opioids change the way signals are processed in the brain's reward system, particularly focusing on a molecule called ELFN1 that interacts with specific receptors involved in this process. By studying the effects of opioids on glutamatergic signaling and synaptic connections in the nucleus accumbens, the research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that contribute to opioid addiction. The approach involves using animal models to observe changes in neuronal wiring and behavior in response to opioid exposure. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating opioid addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for opioid addiction by targeting specific molecular pathways involved in the reward system.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of glutamatergic signaling in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martemyanov, Kirill a. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Martemyanov, Kirill a.
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.