NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how calcium channels affect substance use and mood disorders

Official title: L-Type Calcium Channel Mechanisms Mediating Comorbid Substance Use and Mood Disorders

Funded at Yale University · NIH-11144027 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how problems with drugs and mood can affect each other, especially when someone is trying to stay off drugs, and it’s testing how certain brain channels might help us find better treatments for people dealing with both issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2020
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$85,009
NIH project number3R01DA050454-05S1
Project IDNIH-11144027 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals struggling with substance use disorders who also experience mood or anxiety disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have comorbid substance use and mood disorders may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between substance use disorders and mood disorders, focusing on the role of L-type calcium channels in the brain. It aims to uncover the mechanisms that link these conditions, particularly during periods of drug abstinence when mood and anxiety symptoms can worsen. By using rodent models, the study examines how activating or blocking these calcium channels influences behaviors related to drug seeking, anxiety, and depression. The goal is to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment options for individuals facing these comorbid conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better address both substance use and mood disorders simultaneously.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of calcium channels in mood and substance use disorders, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Yale University
    New Haven, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Addy, Nii a — Yale University
  • Study coordinator: Addy, Nii a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Understanding how calcium channels affect substance use and mood disorders

    This study is looking at how problems with drugs and mood, like anxiety and depression, are connected in the brain, especially when someone is trying to stay off drugs, and it hopes to find new ways to help people who struggle with both issues.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-10887588

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  • Synaptic changes in mood disorders and suicide risk

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  • Integrating immune and brain reward biology in veterans with mood problems

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  • Mindfulness to reduce mood swings in teens at risk for mood disorders

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  • Exploring the link between immune system issues and mood disorders in veterans

    This study is looking at how problems with the immune system might affect mood and increase the risk of suicide in veterans, using blood tests and brain scans to find clues that could help improve diagnosis and treatment for those dealing with depression.

    NIH research James J Peters VA Medical Center · Bronx, United States · NIH-11052103

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.