Understanding how brain changes contribute to cocaine addiction
Chromatin regulation of BDNF in cocaine craving
This research explores how changes in brain cells might cause persistent cocaine cravings, even after someone stops using the drug.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138678 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Cocaine addiction often leads to lasting changes in brain reward circuits, making it hard for people to stop seeking the drug. We believe that these lasting changes, or 'drug memories,' are stored in the epigenome, which controls how genes in specific brain cells turn on or off. Our goal is to discover and understand these genetic changes, particularly in dopamine neurons, to see how they drive addiction-related behaviors. By using new genetic methods, we hope to pinpoint the exact ways these brain changes contribute to persistent drug seeking.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to help individuals struggling with persistent cocaine addiction in the future.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by cocaine addiction or related persistent drug-seeking behaviors would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to help people overcome persistent cocaine cravings and maintain abstinence.
How similar studies have performed: This project uses innovative molecular genetic methods to overcome existing challenges in studying brain cell changes, building on prior knowledge of addiction biology.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: West, Anne Elizabeth — Duke University
- Study coordinator: West, Anne Elizabeth
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 below.