Understanding Brain Changes in Opioid Relapse
Circuit-Selective Astroglial Plasticity During Opioid Relapse
This project explores how specific brain cells called astrocytes change during opioid addiction to help us find new ways to prevent relapse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143175 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Opioid addiction often leads to relapse even after a long time without using drugs, and current treatments struggle to restore control over drug seeking. This work focuses on how repeated drug use causes changes in brain communication, particularly in areas linked to drug seeking. We are looking at specific brain cells, called astrocytes, and how they adapt to drug-related cues. By understanding these precise changes in astrocytes, we hope to discover new targets for treatments that can help people regain control and avoid relapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for anyone interested in the underlying brain mechanisms of opioid addiction and future treatment development.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options for opioid addiction may not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help people with opioid addiction prevent relapse and maintain long-term recovery.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of astrocytes in addiction is a growing area, this specific focus on circuit-selective astroglial plasticity during relapse represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kruyer, Anna K — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Kruyer, Anna K
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.