Investigating brain organoids to understand opioid use disorder
Official title: Single cell multi-omics of iPSC-derived brain organoids from patients with opioid use disorder: synthetic opioids as molecular probes
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11093578 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how synthetic opioids like oxycodone and fentanyl affect brain cells, with the goal of finding new ways to help people struggling with opioid use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $417,613 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057928-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093578 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of opioid use disorder, particularly those who have used synthetic opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of opioid use disorder or who have not used synthetic opioids may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how synthetic opioids like oxycodone and fentanyl affect the brain at a cellular level. By using advanced techniques such as single-cell sequencing and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain organoids, the study aims to uncover unique molecular profiles and mechanisms of action associated with opioid use disorder (OUD). Patients' brain cells will be modeled in a lab setting to explore how these drugs interact with brain function and potentially identify new therapeutic targets. This innovative approach combines expertise in addiction medicine, pharmacogenomics, and bioinformatics to provide insights into the pathophysiology of OUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments and interventions for individuals suffering from opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar single-cell sequencing approaches has shown promise in understanding complex conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ho, Ming-Fen — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Ho, Ming-Fen
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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.