Investigating how nicotine affects the entire brain at a single-cell level
Official title: Single-cell whole brain imaging of nicotine intoxication, dependence, and abstinence
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10807040 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how nicotine affects the brain by using special imaging techniques to see how brain cells work together, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how nicotine use and withdrawal can change brain activity and how this might help improve treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $197,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA057694-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10807040 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with nicotine dependence or those who have recently attempted to quit smoking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never used nicotine products or those with unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of nicotine on the brain by using advanced imaging techniques to visualize brain activity at a single-cell resolution. It aims to understand how nicotine intoxication, dependence, and withdrawal impact brain networks as a whole, rather than just specific areas. By employing innovative methods like light-sheet microscopy, the study seeks to identify the brain-wide functional networks involved in nicotine-related behaviors. This could lead to better insights into how existing medications might help normalize these behaviors during withdrawal and abstinence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for nicotine dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using similar imaging techniques to study brain function, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: George, Olivier — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: George, Olivier
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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.