Understanding how a protein helps brain cells manage energy in people with methamphetamine use disorder
Official title: Investigating Parkin-mediated Neuronal Energy Maintenance in Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10930873 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called parkin can help brain cells stay energized and reduce cravings for methamphetamine, with the hope of finding better treatments for people dealing with meth addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $286,113 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057384-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930873 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of heavy methamphetamine use who are struggling with cravings and addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not used methamphetamine or those with mild or no addiction issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called parkin in helping brain cells maintain energy levels in individuals struggling with methamphetamine use disorder. Using a rat model, the study explores how increasing parkin levels in a specific brain area can reduce cravings and addictive behaviors associated with methamphetamine. The researchers aim to understand the connection between parkin, mitochondrial health, and the brain's energy production, which is often disrupted by methamphetamine use. By identifying new drug targets, this research could lead to better treatment options for those affected by this disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for methamphetamine use disorder, potentially reducing cravings and improving recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting parkin in methamphetamine use disorder is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding the role of mitochondrial health in addiction.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moszczynska, Anna — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Moszczynska, Anna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Calming cue-triggered cravings in methamphetamine use
Seeing if teaching people with methamphetamine use disorder a thinking-based skill (cognitive reappraisal) can reduce brain and craving reactions to drug cues.
-
Psilocybin for treatment of methamphetamine use disorder
A study is testing whether psilocybin can help people with methamphetamine use disorder feel better and stay abstinent, starting with a small, carefully monitored group.
-
Reducing Methamphetamine Use to Improve Health and Well-Being
A clinical trial tests whether giving incentives to people with methamphetamine use disorder helps them use less meth and improves heart, immune, sleep, and psychosocial health.
-
Mobilizing Recovery Resources to Improve HIV Care for People Using Methamphetamine
A patient-friendly project to help people living with HIV who use methamphetamine strengthen personal and community supports to stay engaged in care.
-
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for methamphetamine use disorder in people with HIV
A small, carefully controlled study will test whether psilocybin, given with support, can help people living with HIV who have moderate-to-severe methamphetamine use disorder.
-
Tirzepatide for Methamphetamine Use Disorder in adults with diabetes
A study will test whether an approved diabetes drug, tirzepatide, helps adults with methamphetamine use disorder who have diabetes.
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.