Investigating how nicotine affects cocaine addiction
Cholinergic mechanisms of cocaine reinforcement probed with nicotinic receptor gene editing
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11119248
This study is looking at how nicotine affects cocaine addiction in rats to help us understand how changes in certain brain receptors might influence cravings for cocaine, which could lead to better treatments for people struggling with cocaine use.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11119248 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between nicotine and cocaine addiction using a rat model. The team will examine how specific nicotine receptors in the brain influence the effects of cocaine, particularly focusing on the brain's reward system. By using advanced techniques to edit genes related to these receptors, the researchers aim to understand how altering their function can change cocaine-seeking behavior. This could lead to new insights into potential treatments for cocaine use disorder.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cocaine use disorder, particularly those who also use tobacco.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of cocaine use or are not involved with tobacco may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatment strategies for individuals struggling with cocaine addiction.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of gene editing in this context is novel, previous studies have shown that targeting nicotine receptors can influence addiction behaviors.
Where this research is happening
WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES
- WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DRENAN, RYAN MICHAEL — WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: DRENAN, RYAN MICHAEL
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 below.