Identifying how drugs affect brain proteins in addiction

Engineering chemoproteomic tools for identifying molecular mechanisms of substance use disorders

NIH-funded research Princeton University · NIH-11302129

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPrinceton University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11302129 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of substance use disorders, particularly those affected by cocaine addiction.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have substance use disorders or are not affected by cocaine may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.