Investigating how a brain region affects the aversive effects of methamphetamine.
Official title: Role of lateral habenula in methamphetamine TAAR1-mediated synaptic plasticity and aversion
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10931577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the lateral habenula affects the way methamphetamine impacts feelings of pleasure and discomfort, with the hope of finding ways to help people who struggle with meth use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $545,655 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057420-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with methamphetamine use or those at risk of developing substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use methamphetamine or have no history of substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the lateral habenula in how methamphetamine affects the brain's reward and aversion systems. It focuses on a specific receptor, TAAR1, which may influence the negative feelings associated with methamphetamine use. By studying the interactions between dopamine and serotonin neurons and the lateral habenula, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could help reduce methamphetamine use. The approach includes advanced techniques like slice electrophysiology and genetic modifications in mice to understand these interactions better.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for reducing methamphetamine use by enhancing the brain's natural aversion to the drug.
How similar studies have gone: While research on drug aversion is ongoing, this specific focus on TAAR1 and its interaction with the lateral habenula is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ingram, Susan L — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Ingram, Susan L
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.