Investigating how the Reelin protein affects responses to drugs like cocaine.
Official title: Role of Reelin protein in the cellular and behavioral response to drugs of abuse
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11061750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Reelin affects the brain's reaction to cocaine, which could help us learn more about addiction and find new ways to treat substance use disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $47,657 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DA057821-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061750 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have a history of substance use or addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with substance use disorders or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the Reelin protein in the brain's response to drugs of abuse, particularly cocaine. By studying how Reelin influences specific neurons in the brain, researchers aim to uncover new insights into the neurobiology of addiction. The approach involves advanced techniques like single-molecule fluorescent in-situ hybridization to visualize Reelin expression in brain tissues. This could lead to a better understanding of substance use disorders and potentially identify new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies for substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of Reelin in addiction is under-studied, similar research approaches have shown promise in understanding neurobiological mechanisms of addiction.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brida, Kasey Lynn — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Brida, Kasey Lynn
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.