Understanding Brain Pathways in Cocaine Addiction
Kappa Opioid Receptors and Phospho-Dopamine Transporters Drive Cocaine Reward
This project explores how specific brain signals contribute to cocaine addiction, hoping to find new ways to help people with cocaine use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125970 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Substance use disorder, particularly cocaine use disorder (CUD), affects many people, yet there are no effective medications because its brain mechanisms are not fully understood. We know that dopamine signaling in the brain plays a critical role, and cocaine works by affecting a protein called the dopamine transporter (DAT). This project focuses on a specific modification to DAT, called phosphorylation, which appears to be very important in how cocaine affects behavior. Using advanced techniques and special mouse models, we aim to uncover how these brain signals drive the rewarding effects of cocaine.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for individuals affected by cocaine use disorder who may benefit from future medication developments.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new medications that target these specific brain pathways to treat cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of dopamine in addiction is well-known, focusing on specific post-translational modifications of the dopamine transporter is a novel and less explored approach.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramamoorthy, Sammanda — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Ramamoorthy, Sammanda
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.