Investigating how serotonin affects cognitive flexibility after cocaine use
Official title: Claustrum serotonin and spike-timing plasticity associated with cognitive deficits after cocaine
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10916179 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific brain receptor related to serotonin affects thinking and decision-making in the brain area called the claustrum, especially after using cocaine, to find new ways to help people with substance use disorders improve their cognitive skills and recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $22,222 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA055445-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916179 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cocaine use and associated cognitive deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of substance use or cognitive deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of serotonin 2A receptors in the claustrum, a brain region involved in cognitive flexibility, particularly after cocaine use. It aims to understand how these receptors can influence cognitive deficits associated with substance use disorders. By studying the effects of serotonin on brain signaling and behavior in animal models, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive function in individuals with substance use disorders. The findings could lead to new treatment strategies that enhance cognitive flexibility and support recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals struggling with substance use disorders by enhancing cognitive flexibility.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using serotonin 2A receptor agonists for improving cognitive function, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anderson, Tanner — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Anderson, Tanner
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
East Palestine health impact study following train derailment
A community-engaged study in East Palestine will follow residents to understand health symptoms, exposure markers, and air quality after a major train derailment.
-
Grade C Periodontitis in Young People: Genetic Clues to a Severe, Early Condition
A research team is studying why some young people develop a severe form of gum disease called Grade C periodontitis and how genetics and bacteria like Aa may contribute.
-
Regulation of exon junction complex in cancer biology
This grant studies how a key molecular complex that controls RNA processing acts in cancer, with the aim of understanding how it contributes to cancer cell behavior.
-
Alcohol use and suicidal thoughts: how decision-making affects risk
This project looks at how acute alcohol use and people’s decision-making patterns relate to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults.
-
Kentucky workplace health surveillance program improving safety for workers
A national institute-funded program is supporting Kentucky to monitor and improve safety and health at work for better protection of workers.
-
Gabapentin use in older adults and related health outcomes
This project will look at how gabapentin is used by older adults and whether that use is linked to health outcomes using Medicare data.
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.