Understanding how certain brain proteins affect addiction to cocaine
Official title: Biochemically counteracting maladaptive functions of G9a/GLP in addiction
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11119527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the brain might affect addiction to cocaine and other stimulants, with the hope that understanding these proteins could help create better treatments for people struggling with addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $272,395 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA062828-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11119527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with cocaine addiction or those who have a history of stimulant use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by addiction or those with other types of substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific proteins, G9a and GLP, in the development of addictive behaviors related to cocaine and other stimulants. By studying animal models and examining brain tissue from individuals with a history of cocaine use, the research aims to uncover how these proteins influence gene expression in the brain's reward center. The goal is to determine whether manipulating these proteins can lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating addiction. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help individuals overcome cocaine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of epigenetic factors in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Al-Sady, Bassem — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Al-Sady, Bassem
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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.