Investigating how a specific protein affects cocaine cravings during withdrawal
Official title: Role of PL CaMKII in incubated cocaine-craving
Funded at University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-11075682 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain chemicals affect cravings for cocaine when someone is trying to stay away from it, and it hopes to find new ways to help people who are dealing with cocaine addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,017 |
| NIH project number | 1F99NS141388-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075682 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cocaine use disorder who are currently in a state of abstinence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not used cocaine 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 neurochemical mechanisms behind cocaine cravings, particularly during periods of abstinence. It examines the role of calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in the medial prefrontal cortex, which is believed to influence drug-seeking behavior. By using animal models, the study aims to uncover how activation of this protein correlates with increased cravings for cocaine, potentially leading to better treatment strategies for those struggling with cocaine use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for reducing cocaine cravings and preventing relapse in individuals with cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of CaMKII in cocaine craving has not been extensively studied, related research has shown success in understanding the neurochemical basis of addiction and cravings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huerta Sanchez, Laura — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Huerta Sanchez, Laura
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how PLP enzymes work and how to harness them
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara are studying PLP-dependent enzymes to better understand their chemistry and how they can be used to make useful, complex molecules for medicines.
-
Real-time molecular monitoring in the body with advanced sensors
Aiming to measure drug and biomarker levels continuously inside the body using innovative sensors to support personalized, precise treatment.
-
Molecular genetics of how Aedes mosquitoes taste and decide to bite
Scientists are studying how the taste sense in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes works to help create better repellents that prevent bites.
-
Enabling Imaging and Alpha Therapy with New Chelators for Cancer
A cancer-focused project aims to create new chelators that let alpha-emitter radiopharmaceuticals both image and treat tumors more effectively.
-
Personalized AI for Diverse Wearable Health Data
Aging and diverse women’s health data from wearables will be used to create smarter, more accurate health insights through an AI system.
-
CAR-M immunotherapy for cancer and beyond
A cancer-fighting therapy using specially engineered macrophages (CAR-M) is being explored to work where current treatments struggle, with the aim of helping patients with various cancers and related conditions.
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.