Understanding how brain cells change during opioid relapse
Official title: Circuit-Selective Astroglial Plasticity During Opioid Relapse
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-10901954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how brain cells change when someone relapses after using opioids, focusing on how these changes might affect the brain's response to drug-related triggers, with the goal of finding ways to help people stay in recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $179,096 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DA054339-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of opioid use who are currently in recovery and at risk of relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never used opioids or those with other substance use disorders unrelated to opioids may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the changes in brain cells, specifically astrocytes, that occur during opioid relapse. Using animal models, the study examines how repeated drug use affects glutamate transmission in the brain, particularly in response to drug-related cues. By analyzing the morphological changes in astrocytes and their role in regulating neurotransmitter levels, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could help prevent relapse in individuals recovering from opioid addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help individuals maintain abstinence from opioids by targeting the brain's response to drug-related cues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of astrocytes in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kruyer, Anna K — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Kruyer, Anna K
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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.