How opioids affect tau protein in the brain
Official title: Functional consequences of the interactions between tau protein and opioids
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10874247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using opioids might affect certain proteins in the brain that are linked to memory and thinking problems, and it hopes to find new ways to help people who struggle with opioid use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $239,963 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA058746-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874247 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of opioid use or those at risk for opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never used opioids or do not have any neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between opioid use and tau protein levels in the brain, particularly focusing on how opioids may influence neurobehavioral outcomes. The study aims to understand whether the increase in phosphorylated tau, which is associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, has significant implications for brain health or is merely a byproduct of opioid use. By exploring these interactions, the research seeks to uncover potential new therapeutic approaches for opioid use disorder and its effects on the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments for opioid use disorder and improve understanding of its impact on brain health.
How similar studies have gone: While the relationship between opioids and tau protein is being explored, this specific focus on non-neurodegenerative roles of tau in opioid use is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atwood, Brady — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Atwood, Brady
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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.