Investigating how a specific enzyme affects cocaine use disorder in brain cells
Official title: Defining the cell-type specific role of histone acetyltransferase KAT2a in nucleus accumbens D1 medium spiny neurons as a driver of cocaine use disorder
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10830266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain enzyme in brain cells might influence addiction to cocaine, with the hope of finding new ways to help people struggling with cocaine use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $34,285 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA058450-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10830266 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder who may benefit from new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of cocaine use or those with other substance use disorders unrelated to cocaine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific enzyme, KAT2a, in brain cells that are involved in cocaine use disorder (CUD). By studying how this enzyme affects the behavior of dopamine receptor-expressing neurons in the nucleus accumbens, the research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to addiction. The approach includes detailed proteomic and bioinformatic analyses to identify changes in gene expression related to cocaine exposure. The findings could provide insights into potential new treatments for CUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new pharmacotherapies for cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the molecular mechanisms of addiction, but this specific approach focusing on KAT2a is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Emerson, Soren D — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Emerson, Soren D
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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.