How the Gadd45b gene drives cocaine-related brain changes and behavior
Role of Gadd45b in Cocaine-driven Epigenetic and Behavioral Dynamics
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11310190
This project looks at whether a brain protein called Gadd45b causes lasting DNA changes in reward circuits after cocaine use, with the aim of helping people affected by stimulant addiction.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11310190 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how Gadd45b affects DNA methylation and gene activity in neurons of the nucleus accumbens, a brain region linked to reward and addiction. They will use laboratory models that mimic cocaine exposure to measure molecular changes and related behaviors. Methods include bisulfite-based DNA sequencing to map methylation changes and behavioral assays to connect those changes to drug-related memory and actions. The team aims to reveal how Gadd45b creates persistent brain adaptations that could be targeted by future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a history of cocaine or other stimulant use disorders would be most relevant to the goals of this research.
Not a fit: People without stimulant exposure or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets for medications or other therapies to reduce cocaine craving and relapse.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies show Gadd45b is upregulated after cocaine and affects cocaine-related memory in animals, but translating this into human treatments is still untested.
Where this research is happening
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM — BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DAY, JEREMY J — UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- Study coordinator: DAY, JEREMY J
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.