Investigating how certain brain connections respond to opioids.
Official title: A highly opioid responsive VTA projection to the dorsal endopiriform nucleus.
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10870138 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a part of the brain that helps us understand how opioids affect our feelings and actions, and it’s for anyone interested in learning more about addiction and how these drugs influence our behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA057522-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10870138 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with a history of opioid use or those affected by addiction-related disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use opioids or have no history of substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the dorsal endopiriform nucleus (DEn), a brain region linked to consciousness and behavior, particularly its response to opioids. The study focuses on a specific projection from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the DEn, which has shown a strong reaction to opioid stimulation. By mapping these connections and understanding their role in behavior and sensory processing, the research aims to uncover new insights into how opioids affect the brain. This could lead to a better understanding of addiction and reward mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of opioid effects on the brain, potentially leading to improved treatments for addiction and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While this research explores a novel approach, previous studies have shown success in understanding opioid mechanisms in other brain regions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Margolis, Elyssa — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Margolis, Elyssa
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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.