Opioids and the brain circuit that drives withdrawal
Opioid actions on the habenulo-peduncular circuit
This work looks at how opioids change a tiny brain circuit that may cause withdrawal symptoms in people with opioid dependence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11184409 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study a specific brain pathway between the medial habenula and the interpeduncular nucleus that is linked to fear, anxiety, and drug withdrawal. Using mouse experiments they will map which cell types carry mu‑opioid receptors and use tools such as CRISPR, molecular labeling, and recordings of neuronal activity to see how opioids alter the circuit. They will examine behavior in mice after chronic opioid exposure to connect circuit changes with withdrawal signs. The findings aim to reveal the cells and signals that drive aversive withdrawal responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with opioid dependence who experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, anxiety during withdrawal, or repeated relapse may eventually be candidates for treatments based on this work.
Not a fit: People without opioid dependence or whose problems are primarily social or psychological rather than driven by brain‑circuit changes are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new targets for treatments that reduce withdrawal symptoms and lower relapse risk.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have previously linked the MHb–IPN circuit to nicotine aversion and suggested a role in opioid withdrawal, but the detailed cell‑type and molecular mechanisms remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hnasko, Thomas — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Hnasko, Thomas
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.