Identifying genes that affect how amphetamines work in the brain
Official title: A Forward Genetic Screen to Identify Genes Involved in Amphetamine Action
Funded at Florida Atlantic University · NIH-11135886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how amphetamines affect the brain and lead to addiction by using tiny worms to find out which genes play a role in these changes, and the goal is to help improve treatments for people struggling with addiction and ADHD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida Atlantic University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boca Raton, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $571,675 |
| NIH project number | 1R15DA062968-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of amphetamine use or those diagnosed with ADHD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of amphetamine use or ADHD may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how amphetamines, commonly abused drugs, affect brain function and lead to addiction. By using a genetic screening approach with mutated strains of the model organism C. elegans, the researchers aim to identify specific genes that influence the response to amphetamines. The study will focus on understanding the physiological and behavioral changes that occur with amphetamine use, which could provide insights into addiction mechanisms. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to better treatments for addiction and ADHD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating addiction to amphetamines and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on addiction, this specific genetic screening approach using C. elegans is relatively novel and may provide new insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carvelli, Lucia — Florida Atlantic University
- Study coordinator: Carvelli, Lucia
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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.