Understanding brain receptors in cocaine use disorder
Official title: Assessing central muscarinic acetylcholine type-1 receptors in cocaine use disorder with 11C-LSN3172176.
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11126696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores a specific brain receptor, called M1, to find new ways to help people with cocaine use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $833,971 |
| NIH project number | 5R33DA053592-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126696 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for future related studies would be individuals diagnosed with cocaine use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cocaine use disorder would not directly benefit from this specific research focus.
What this research studies
We know that cocaine use disorder is a serious health concern, and there aren't many effective treatments available. This project looks into a specific brain system, the M1 receptor, which is very important for how our brains work and is found in areas linked to addiction. Previous laboratory work suggests that activating M1 receptors might reduce the rewarding effects of cocaine, and that people who use cocaine regularly may have fewer of these receptors. By understanding how M1 receptors function in individuals with cocaine use disorder, we hope to uncover new targets for medication development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new and more effective medications for individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting M1 receptors for cocaine use disorder is innovative, preclinical evidence consistently shows a link between M1 receptor function and the effects of cocaine.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Angarita, Gustavo Adolfo — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Angarita, Gustavo Adolfo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Understanding how early life stress and cocaine exposure shape brain and behavior in adults
This project follows a long-running study in monkeys to see how early maltreatment and adolescent cocaine use influence brain circuits and risk of addiction in adulthood.
-
Psilocybin-Assisted ACT for Co-Occurring Cocaine Use Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
A new treatment combines psilocybin with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people who have both cocaine use disorder and major depressive disorder.
-
Cholinergic Dysregulation and Cognitive Flexibility in Cocaine Use Disorder
A research study explores how cocaine changes brain signaling to affect flexible thinking and decision-making in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Oligonucleotide therapy to help cocaine use disorder reach the brain
A new ASO-based approach aims to deliver gene-targeting therapy across the blood–brain barrier to help people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Accelerated TMS for Cocaine Use Disorder
A new, faster brain-stimulation treatment is being tested to help adults with cocaine use disorder reduce cravings and use.
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.