The role of brain cells in how drugs like cocaine and opioids affect behavior.
Microglia in Stimulant and Opioid Action
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called microglia affect how the brain reacts to drugs like cocaine and opioids, using mice to learn more about their role in drug behavior and could help find new ways to treat addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10934812 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how microglia, a type of brain cell, influence the brain's response to drugs such as cocaine and opioids. By studying mouse models, the researchers aim to understand how these cells affect the behavior and gene expression related to drug use. The project will explore both the general role of microglia and the specific impact of those that express the D1 receptor, which may play a crucial role in how drugs alter brain function. This research could provide insights into potential new treatments for drug addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with addiction to cocaine or opioids.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of drug use or addiction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating drug addiction by targeting the brain's immune cells.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of microglia in brain function is a well-studied area, the specific focus on their interaction with drug exposure is relatively novel and has shown promising preliminary results.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaefer, Anne — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Schaefer, Anne
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.