Investigating how different versions of a dopamine receptor gene affect cocaine behavior
Official title: Drd3 transcript variants and cocaine self-administration
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10811401 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different versions of a gene related to the brain's dopamine system might affect how rats seek and use cocaine, which could help us understand addiction better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $189,644 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA059919-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10811401 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 or those at risk for developing such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of substance use disorder or are not affected by cocaine addiction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the roles of various transcript variants of the Drd3 gene, which encodes the dopamine D3 receptor, in cocaine-seeking and taking behaviors. By using animal models, specifically rats, the study aims to characterize how these gene variants function and their potential influence on substance use disorder. The researchers will develop specialized tools to express these variants in specific types of neurons, allowing them to observe how these variants respond to cocaine. This work could lead to new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying addiction and inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies for cocaine use disorder, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of characterizing Drd3 gene variants is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the genetic basis of addiction.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Rong — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Chen, Rong
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.