Investigating how Zhx2 affects oxycodone metabolism and addiction behaviors.
Official title: The role of Zhx2 in CYP2D regulation, oxycodone metabolism, and opioid addiction model behaviors.
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10911775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes, especially the Zhx2 gene, might affect how people use and respond to oxycodone, a common pain medication, to help understand opioid use disorder better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA056217-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of opioid use or those at risk for opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of opioid use or are not at risk for opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the genetic factors influencing opioid use disorder (OUD), particularly focusing on the role of the Zhx2 gene in the metabolism of oxycodone, a commonly prescribed opioid. By using rodent models, the study aims to identify genetic variants that contribute to behaviors associated with opioid use and misuse. The researchers will employ advanced techniques such as genome-wide association studies and quantitative trait locus mapping to uncover the underlying genetic mechanisms. This approach allows for controlled experiments that can directly validate the impact of specific genes on opioid-related behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying genetic factors related to opioid addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lynch, William — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Lynch, William
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Reducing Addiction Risk in High Schools Through Better Prevention Infrastructure
Aims to build a sustainable, school-based system to prevent opioid and other drug use among high school students, especially those at higher risk.
-
HEAL Data Platform to share addiction-related data across programs
A platform project to make HEAL data from many programs easier to find and use, helping researchers and clinicians access information about addiction in children and youth.
-
Cognitively-enhanced tDCS to reduce cocaine craving
A study to test whether real brain stimulation together with learning strategies can lessen craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Yale center researching how tobacco products affect use and addiction in people
A Yale research center is studying how nicotine, flavor additives, and other ingredients in tobacco products influence people’s likelihood of starting and becoming addicted.
-
Atherosclerosis in cocaine addiction: imaging risk with PET/MR
This project uses PET/MR imaging to look for early artery disease in people with cocaine use disorder to help prevent strokes or other brain injuries.
-
Integrating long-acting PrEP into street medicine for people who use drugs
This project tests whether a long-acting HIV prevention shot (lenacapavir) can be feasibly and acceptably offered by street-based health teams to people who use drugs.
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.