Understanding Brain Changes in Opioid Tolerance and Withdrawal
Molecular and Cellular Profiling of the Habenulointerpeduncular Circuit in Opioid Tolerance and Withdrawal
This research looks at specific brain changes that happen when someone develops tolerance to opioids and experiences withdrawal, hoping to find new ways to help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| 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-11187211 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Opioid addiction often starts with medical use and can lead to increasing doses and difficult withdrawal. This happens because opioids cause changes in how genes work and how brain cells function, but we don't fully understand these changes. Our team has identified a specific brain area, the habenula-interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), that seems to adapt to chronic opioid exposure. We are using advanced techniques to study gene activity and brain cell communication in this area. By understanding these molecular and cellular changes, we aim to uncover the root causes of opioid tolerance and withdrawal.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit individuals experiencing opioid tolerance and withdrawal in the future.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by opioid tolerance or withdrawal would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target the brain mechanisms responsible for opioid tolerance and withdrawal, making it easier for people to overcome addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous findings have shown that the identified brain region adapts to chronic nicotine exposure in a similar way, suggesting this approach has a promising foundation.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ables, Jessica — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Ables, Jessica
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.