Understanding how cocaine affects brain signaling related to addiction
Official title: Elucidating the Mechanisms and Relevance of Cocaine-Induced Plasticity of Inhibitory G Protein Signaling in the Prelimbic Cortex
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11066729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cocaine affects certain brain cells related to addiction in mice, with the hope of finding new ways to help people recover from cocaine use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $46,478 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DA062412-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with cocaine addiction or those at risk of developing such an addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cocaine or have no history of substance abuse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cocaine alters the signaling pathways in specific brain cells that are involved in addiction. By studying the effects of cocaine on inhibitory G protein signaling in the prelimbic cortex of mice, the researchers aim to uncover the cellular and neurochemical changes that occur with repeated drug exposure. The approach involves genetic manipulation and behavioral assessments to understand how these changes contribute to addiction. The ultimate goal is to explore potential therapeutic strategies that could restore normal signaling in the brain affected by cocaine use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for cocaine addiction by restoring normal brain signaling pathways.
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
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University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Welter, Alex Larsen — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Welter, Alex Larsen
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.