Mapping brain circuits to understand opioid addiction.
Integrated single cell and spatial mapping of habenula circuitry to identify projection-specific molecular pathways associated with opioid exposure.
['FUNDING_R21'] · LIEBER INSTITUTE, INC. · NIH-10877593
This study is looking at how long-term use of opioids changes certain brain areas that help us feel rewards, especially in a part called the habenula, and it aims to find out how these changes might be similar in both rodents and humans to help us better understand addiction.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | LIEBER INSTITUTE, INC. (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10877593 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic opioid exposure affects specific brain circuits, particularly focusing on the habenula, a key area involved in reward processing. By using advanced techniques to analyze individual cells and their spatial organization, the study aims to uncover molecular changes that occur in the habenula of rodents after opioid use. The findings will also be compared with human brain data to identify common pathways related to opioid addiction. This approach could lead to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms behind substance use disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of opioid use disorder or those affected by substance use disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to opioids or do not have substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating opioid addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding addiction through similar molecular mapping techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- LIEBER INSTITUTE, INC. — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MAYNARD, KRISTEN ROSE — LIEBER INSTITUTE, INC.
- Study coordinator: MAYNARD, KRISTEN ROSE
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.