Understanding how brain cells use energy in relation to heroin addiction
Official title: Astrocyte energy metabolism in opiate use disorders
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-10952081 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called astrocytes help manage energy in the brain and how this might affect people struggling with heroin addiction and their chances of relapse, using mice to learn more about the biological changes that happen with drug use and recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA061153-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952081 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of opioid use disorders, particularly those who have experienced relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not used opioids or who are not experiencing addiction-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in energy metabolism and how it relates to heroin addiction and relapse. The study will explore how changes in the energy production of these cells affect behavior related to drug use and abstinence. By examining specific genetic modifications in mice, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that underlie heroin-induced changes in brain function. This could lead to new insights into the biological processes that contribute to addiction and recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for opioid addiction by targeting energy metabolism in brain cells.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on astrocyte energy metabolism in relation to heroin addiction is novel, similar research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiology of addiction.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pletnikov, Mikhail V — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Pletnikov, Mikhail V
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.