Identifying how drugs affect brain proteins in addiction
Official title: Engineering chemoproteomic tools for identifying molecular mechanisms of substance use disorders
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11302129 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drug use, like cocaine, changes the proteins in the brain, and it's for people who want to understand addiction better and find new ways to help those dealing with substance use issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $246,000 |
| NIH project number | 7R21DA059842-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11302129 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of substance use disorders, particularly those affected by cocaine addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have substance use disorders or are not affected by cocaine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the molecular changes in the brain caused by substance use disorders, particularly through the lens of protein interactions. By developing advanced chemoproteomic tools, the study aims to identify how specific proteins are altered in response to drug use, such as cocaine. The approach involves engineering new probes that can detect these changes in real-time within neurons, providing insights into the biochemical processes that underlie addiction. This could lead to better-targeted treatments for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments for substance use disorders by targeting specific proteins involved in addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using chemoproteomic tools to study protein interactions in various conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into addiction mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Christina — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Christina
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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.