Regulation of GPCR Signals in Brain Reward and Pain Pathways
Official title: Regulation of Neuronal GPCR Signaling
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11477369 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people studying how brain receptors linked to pain and addiction interact, with a focus on how this might influence substance use and analgesic effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2014 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $595,437 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DA036596-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11477369 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with or at risk for opioid use disorder or chronic pain conditions who might benefit from future therapies targeting GPCR signaling.
✕Less likely to help
This research is at a preclinical stage; individual patients would not directly participate now.
What this research studies
This project investigates how G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in brain reward circuits interact, especially MOR and the orphan receptor GPR139, to influence substance use and pain relief. Researchers will use genetic screening to uncover how these receptors cross-talk at molecular and cellular levels and how that affects behavior. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to better treat addiction and manage analgesia with fewer side effects. The work combines molecular studies, animal models, and behavioral analyses to connect receptor signaling with potential therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could guide new approaches to treating opioid use disorder and pain with fewer adverse effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows GPCR cross-talk can influence drug effects, with emerging evidence suggesting new targets like GPR139 may modulate MOR actions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martemyanov, Kirill a. — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Martemyanov, Kirill a.
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.