Understanding brain cell energy in cocaine use disorder
Official title: Mitochondrial signaling dynamics in cocaine use disorder
Funded at Research Triangle Institute · NIH-11123317 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how energy-producing parts of brain cells, called mitochondria, change in people with cocaine use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $661,377 |
| NIH project number | 5DP1DA058362-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123317 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational work does not involve direct patient participation but aims to inform future treatments for individuals with cocaine use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not affected by cocaine use disorder would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Cocaine use disorder is a serious health challenge, and this work aims to understand how cocaine affects the tiny powerhouses within our brain cells, called mitochondria. Mitochondria create the energy needed for brain cell communication. We are looking at how calcium and hydrogen peroxide signals within these mitochondria are altered by cocaine exposure. Using advanced genetic tools, we will adjust specific genes in dopamine neurons to see how these changes impact mitochondrial activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to target and correct brain cell energy problems in individuals with cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of manipulating mitochondrial signaling in vivo with CRISPR for cocaine use disorder is novel, understanding mitochondrial dysfunction in addiction is an active area of research.
Where this research is happening
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Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abraham, Antony Daniel — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Abraham, Antony Daniel
Related research
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A new ASO-based approach aims to deliver gene-targeting therapy across the blood–brain barrier to help people with cocaine use disorder.
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Accelerated TMS for Cocaine Use Disorder
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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.