Understanding how brain cells contribute to cocaine addiction
Official title: Involvement of Cortical Excitatory Projections in Cocaine Addiction
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11193454 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in a part of the brain called the Supplementary Motor Cortex might influence cocaine addiction and the urge to relapse, with the hope that what we learn can help develop better treatments for people struggling with cocaine use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $652,747 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059548-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193454 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cocaine use who are seeking treatment for addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not addicted to cocaine or those who have not previously used cocaine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific brain cells in the Supplementary Motor Cortex (M2) in driving cocaine addiction and relapse. By studying the excitability of these cells and their connections to other brain regions, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind persistent drug-seeking behaviors after withdrawal. The approach involves using animal models to simulate cocaine addiction and test interventions that could potentially reduce cravings and relapse. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new treatment strategies for cocaine addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that help prevent relapse in individuals recovering from cocaine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been extensive research on cocaine addiction, this specific focus on the Supplementary Motor Cortex and its role in relapse is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ma, Yao-Ying — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Ma, Yao-Ying
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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.