Understanding Brain Changes in Cocaine Addiction
Official title: Elucidating Ih Biophysical Epigenetic Modifications in VTA Dopaminergic Neurons after Contingent and Non-Contingent Cocaine Administration
Funded at University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences · NIH-11371804 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how cocaine changes specific brain cells to better understand why addiction happens.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $148,605 |
| NIH project number | 3R16GM145475-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11371804 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for future patients struggling with cocaine addiction, as it aims to uncover new biological targets for treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Current patients will not receive direct benefit from this basic science research, as it does not involve patient participation or new treatments at this stage.
What this research studies
Our brains have a special area called the VTA that handles reward and reinforcement, which is affected by drugs like cocaine. Inside the VTA, certain brain cells have an electrical current, called Ih, that plays a big role in how these cells work. Cocaine exposure can change this Ih current, and we believe these changes might be a key reason why addiction develops. This project looks at how these changes are controlled by 'epigenetic' mechanisms, which are like switches that turn genes on or off, to see how they contribute to cocaine addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat cocaine addiction by targeting the specific brain changes that make it so hard to quit.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that cocaine exposure alters the Ih current in the brain, suggesting this approach builds on existing knowledge while exploring new epigenetic mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
San Juan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jimenez-Rivera, Carlos a — University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
- Study coordinator: Jimenez-Rivera, Carlos a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Proteins in brain-supporting cell vesicles linked to HIV-related cognitive issues
A study from the University of Puerto Rico investigates proteins in brain-cell vesicles found in blood and CSF to understand HIV-related cognitive impairment better.
-
Blood-vessel mitochondria and brain inflammation in Alzheimer's disease
This work looks at how tiny powerhouses inside blood‑vessel cells may trigger inflammation that worsens Alzheimer's for people with the disease.
-
Fh15-based therapy to calm inflammation in sepsis and ulcerative colitis
A research project tests a molecule from a parasitic organism (Fh15) to reduce harmful inflammation in adults with sepsis or ulcerative colitis.
-
p(UG) RNA Quadruplexes and ALS: How RNA shapes stress granules and TDP-43 pathology
Aimed at people with ALS, this grant tests how a specific RNA shape helps stress granules form and how that affects disease-related TDP-43 changes.
-
Tech-enabled Aids to Help Older Adults Stay Independent
A 3-year program tests a low-cost, group-based assistive technology approach to help adults 65+ stay independent by improving daily activities and quality of life in primary care clinics.
-
Clinical and Technology Resources Core expands access to clinical research facilities and technology across Alliance institutions
A multi-institutional core will provide researchers with access to clinical trial units, cutting-edge tech, facilities, and training to advance patient-focused clinical research.
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.