Understanding brain pathways related to opioid use and relapse
Official title: Mapping the Functional and Anatomical Pathways from the Anterior and Posterior Paraventricular Nucleus of the Thalamus to the Nucleus Accumbens: Implications for Opioid Use
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10947461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain parts of the brain talk to each other during withdrawal and relapse in people with opioid use disorder, using rodent models to help us understand what causes cravings and relapses, which could lead to better treatments for recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $265,302 |
| NIH project number | 1K99DA060895-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947461 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with opioid use disorder or those in recovery who are at risk of relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by opioid use disorder or who do not have a history of opioid addiction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain pathways involved in opioid use disorder (OUD) by examining how specific areas of the brain communicate during withdrawal and relapse. Using rodent models, the study focuses on the connections between the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus and the nucleus accumbens, which are critical for understanding cravings and relapse triggers. By mapping these neural pathways, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to relapse during recovery from opioid addiction, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for opioid use disorder, helping patients manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding brain pathways related to addiction, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alonso Caraballo, Yanaira — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Alonso Caraballo, Yanaira
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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.