Understanding how cocaine affects brain receptors
Official title: Cocaine-induced adaptation in NMDA receptors
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10994596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cocaine affects certain brain receptors that are linked to addiction, with the goal of understanding why people recovering from cocaine use might feel cravings or relapse, so we can find better ways to help them stay on track.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $444,292 |
| NIH project number | 5R37DA023206-19 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with cocaine addiction or those in recovery who are at risk of relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not addicted to cocaine or those with other substance use disorders unrelated to cocaine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cocaine use alters specific receptors in the brain that are involved in addiction. By studying the connections between different brain regions in animal models, the researchers aim to understand how these changes contribute to cravings and relapse in individuals recovering from cocaine addiction. The study focuses on the mechanisms of synaptic changes in response to cocaine exposure, particularly looking at silent synapses that may play a role in addiction behaviors. This work could lead to new insights into how to better treat cocaine addiction and prevent relapse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cocaine addiction, helping patients manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dong, Yan — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Dong, Yan
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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.