Targeting specific BET proteins to reduce cocaine-seeking behavior
Official title: Domain- and protein-selective BET mechanisms in cocaine-seeking behaviors
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11332660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at a research project that tests highly selective BET protein inhibitors to help reduce cocaine-seeking behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $450,322 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA058700-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332660 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with cocaine use disorder or those at high risk for relapse would be the ultimate beneficiaries of successful therapies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without cocaine use disorder or those not seeking pharmacological treatment for SUD may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project examines how specific parts of BET proteins influence cocaine-seeking actions, using targeted treatments and cutting-edge analysis. Researchers will compare selective blocks of BET activity in the brain to see which ones most effectively lessen drug-seeking behavior. The team will use animal models and advanced molecular techniques to track changes in brain chemistry and behavior, aiming to identify safer, more precise therapeutic strategies. If successful, findings could guide future trials and the development of medications with fewer side effects than broader BET inhibitors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, more precise treatments for Cocaine Use Disorder with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest that targeting specific BET domains can modulate drug-related behaviors, but this approach is still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sartor, Gregory Charles — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Sartor, Gregory Charles
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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.