Understanding Brain Changes in Opioid Dependence
Circuitry dynamics underlying opioid-dependence: Integrating structural, functional, and transcriptomic mechanisms
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11174270
This project aims to understand how brain connections and activities change with long-term opioid use, which could help us learn more about addiction, withdrawal, and relapse.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11174270 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
When someone uses opioids for a long time, their brain changes in ways that contribute to addiction, withdrawal, and the risk of relapse. We don't fully understand how these brain networks, which contain opioid receptors, adapt over time. This work will map the specific types of cells, their genetic activity, and how their connections shift in key brain areas during opioid use and withdrawal. By doing this, we hope to uncover the detailed brain changes that lead to and maintain opioid dependence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work does not directly involve patient participation but seeks to understand the underlying brain mechanisms of opioid dependence.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing opioid dependence or withdrawal would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat opioid addiction by targeting the specific brain changes that drive dependence and relapse.
How similar studies have performed: While aspects of opioid-induced brain changes are known, this project aims for a more comprehensive and dynamic mapping of specific cell types and circuits, representing a novel integration of approaches.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CORDER, GREGORY — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: CORDER, GREGORY
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.