Mapping molecules that drive lasting brain changes after stimulant exposure
High-throughput identification and characterization of conserved regulators of drug-induced plasticity using single-neuron resolution atlases of the complete Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11194986
This project uses a tiny worm's nervous system to find genes and molecular switches that cause long-lasting brain changes after stimulant exposure, with the goal of helping people at risk for substance use disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11194986 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective: researchers expose the nematode C. elegans to short and long-term cocaine and build detailed maps of gene activity, chromatin states, neuron activity, and behavior across the worm's entire nervous system at single‑neuron resolution. They combine genetic tools, genomics, high‑resolution microscopy, and automated behavioral screens to generate these molecular and activity atlases. Using high‑throughput screening in the worm, they will identify conserved genetic regulators and candidate compounds that change drug-induced neural plasticity. This lab-based work aims to point toward biological targets that could inform future treatments for stimulant-related substance use disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at risk for stimulant (for example, cocaine) use disorder who want to follow or benefit from future treatment developments would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People with unrelated medical conditions or addictions to non-stimulant substances may not directly benefit from findings limited to stimulant-induced neural changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new biological targets and candidate drugs that lead to better treatments for stimulant-related substance use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Worm-based genetic screens have previously uncovered conserved pathways relevant to human neurobiology, but using whole‑nervous‑system single‑neuron atlases for stimulant-induced plasticity is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM — BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SUN, HAOSHENG — UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- Study coordinator: SUN, HAOSHENG
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.