Investigating the role of a neuropeptide in addiction and brain plasticity
Official title: VGF in the nucleus accumbens: roles in synaptic and opioid-evoked plasticity
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11040979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called VGF affects the way our brain responds to rewards and addiction, especially after using opioids, and it aims to help us understand more about addiction and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 30, 2024 |
| Project end | May 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30DA060027-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040979 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with opioid addiction or those interested in understanding the biological basis of addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of opioid use or addiction may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a neuropeptide called VGF affects the brain's reward system, particularly in the nucleus accumbens, which is crucial for processing rewards and addiction. The study will explore how VGF and its peptide TLQP-62 influence synaptic plasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and change in response to experiences, especially after opioid exposure and withdrawal. Using advanced techniques like whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, researchers will measure the effects of TLQP-62 on brain cell communication in mouse models. The findings could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying addiction and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for opioid addiction by targeting specific neuropeptide pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuropeptide roles in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adke, Anisha P — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Adke, Anisha P
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.