Investigating how specific brain neurons affect breathing and pain relief from opioids
Transcriptomic single-cell profiling in breathing-specific parabrachial mu-opioid receptor neurons
This study is looking at how opioids affect breathing in the brain, which can help us find safer ways to manage pain without the risk of overdose, so patients can have better treatment options with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093502 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms behind opioid-induced respiratory depression, a major cause of overdose deaths. By using advanced techniques such as single-cell transcriptomic profiling, the study aims to identify the specific brain circuits that control both the pain-relieving effects of opioids and the dangerous side effects related to breathing. The research will involve detailed analysis of brain neurons to uncover how they function in the context of opioid use, potentially leading to safer pain management strategies. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments with fewer side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are prescribed opioids for acute pain management and are at risk of experiencing side effects.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use opioids or have no history of pain management with opioids may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer opioid therapies that minimize the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on opioid effects, this specific approach using single-cell profiling is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, UNITED STATES
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Sung — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Han, Sung
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.