Understanding gene networks related to cigarette smoking and opioid addiction.
Official title: Integrating Multiple Omics to Illuminate Gene Networks Underlying Cigarette Smoking and Opioids.
Funded at Research Triangle Institute · NIH-10873140 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes might influence addiction to smoking and opioids, using advanced technology to analyze genetic information from both living people and brain samples, with the hope of finding better ways to treat these addictions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $563,381 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA051913-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873140 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of cigarette smoking or opioid use, particularly those who are 21 years or older.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of cigarette smoking or opioid use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to uncover the genetic networks that contribute to addiction behaviors, specifically focusing on cigarette smoking and opioid use. By utilizing a novel framework called Gene Network Identification and Integration (GNetII), the study will analyze a combination of genetic data from living individuals and postmortem brain samples. The approach includes advanced techniques such as genome-wide association studies and artificial intelligence to identify unique and shared genetic factors associated with these addictions. This research could provide insights into the biological underpinnings of addiction, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals struggling with addiction to cigarettes and opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in identifying genetic factors related to addiction, making this approach promising yet still innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hancock, Dana B — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Hancock, Dana B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding why lung cancer risk from smoking differs among populations
This grant looks at why people from different groups have different lung cancer risks from cigarette smoking and what genetic and biochemistry clues explain those differences.
-
Multi-omic insights into alcohol use disorder with and without smoking
A scientist team will study how DNA methylation and RNA patterns in brain tissue differ in people with alcohol use disorder, comparing those who smoke to those who don’t, to understand biology and potential drug targets.
-
Harm-reduction sampling to help people not ready to quit smoking
A practical approach tests whether giving people who aren’t ready to quit access to harm-reduction smoking aids can help them move toward quitting.
-
Effects of e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, menthol and nicotine on adults’ smoking and addiction
This grant tests how different non-cigarette products and their ingredients affect smoking behavior in adults who currently smoke.
-
Social and psychological factors behind Black adults’ smoking gaps
This project looks at why Black adults who smoke have more trouble quitting and what social and psychological factors influence quitting, with the goal of creating tailored cessation support.
-
PTSD therapy combined with intensive smoking-cessation support for veterans who smoke
This project combines proven PTSD therapy with extra smoking-cessation counseling, nicotine support, and rewards-based coaching to help Veterans with PTSD quit cigarettes.
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.