Mapping gene expression in brain areas related to addiction and mental health
Official title: Registration of spatial gene expression in key nodes of reward-related circuitry in the human brain
Funded at Lieber Institute, INC. · NIH-10892314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes work in important parts of the brain that are linked to addiction and mental health issues like PTSD and depression, with the goal of helping us understand what happens in the brain when these problems occur.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lieber Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $681,004 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA053581-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who are experiencing addiction or have comorbid psychiatric conditions such as PTSD or major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or do not have a history of addiction or related psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific genes are expressed in key areas of the brain that are involved in addiction and related psychiatric disorders like PTSD and depression. By creating detailed maps of gene expression in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala, the study aims to understand how changes in these brain regions contribute to addiction and mental health issues. The approach combines advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and single-nucleus RNA sequencing to pinpoint the locations of different cell types and their gene activity. This could lead to better insights into the biological underpinnings of these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals struggling with addiction and related mental health disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar mapping techniques to understand brain function and disorders, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Lieber Institute, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinowich, Keri — Lieber Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Martinowich, Keri
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.