The role of brain immune cells in addiction to cocaine and opioids
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 addiction and how it might be treated.
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-11158927 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how microglia, the immune cells in the brain, affect the brain's response to cocaine and opioids. By studying mouse models, the researchers aim to understand how these cells influence changes in brain function and behavior related to drug use. The project will explore the specific roles of different types of microglia in the brain regions associated with addiction, particularly focusing on their interaction with dopamine signaling. This could lead to new insights into how addiction develops and how it might be treated.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cocaine or opioid use who are seeking treatment for addiction.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of substance use or those who are not currently struggling with addiction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating addiction to cocaine and opioids.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microglia in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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.