Understanding how certain proteins affect addiction to stimulants and opioids

Transcription Factors in Stimulant and Opioid Action

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11158918

This study is looking at how certain proteins in the brain affect how stimulants and opioids work, especially in people with addiction, to find new ways to help treat these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11158918 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of specific transcription factors in the brain that influence the effects of stimulants and opioids, particularly focusing on the nucleus accumbens and dorsal striatum. By utilizing advanced RNA sequencing techniques, the study aims to identify and characterize these factors in both animal models and humans with substance use disorders. The goal is to uncover new insights into addiction mechanisms and explore potential clinical applications, including the development of small molecule antagonists that could help treat addiction.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of addiction to cocaine or opioids.

Not a fit: Patients who are not struggling with substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for individuals struggling with addiction to stimulants and opioids.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in identifying key transcription factors involved in addiction, but this approach aims to uncover novel factors, making it a potentially groundbreaking investigation.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.