Understanding how brain immune cells affect dopamine systems during adolescence
Official title: Epigenetic Regulation of Microglia Dopamine System Interactions
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11023074 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how special immune cells in the brain, called microglia, help shape the dopamine system during teenage years, which is important for understanding why some young people might take risks or develop addiction problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | March 13, 2023 |
| Project end | March 12, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $41,559 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA057116-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023074 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be at risk for substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the adolescent age range or do not have a history of substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, the brain's immune cells, in the development of the dopamine system during adolescence. It focuses on how these cells prune synapses and receptors in the nucleus accumbens, a key brain region associated with reward and substance use. By studying rats, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that regulate microglial behavior and its impact on dopamine receptor levels, which are crucial for understanding the onset of substance use disorders in adolescents. The findings could provide insights into how brain development influences risk-taking behaviors and addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for substance use disorders in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microglia in brain development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clark, Madeline J — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Clark, Madeline J
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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.