Understanding how cocaine affects energy production in brain cells
Official title: Mitochondrial signaling dynamics in cocaine use disorder
Funded at Research Triangle Institute · NIH-10903745 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cocaine affects the energy-producing parts of brain cells that help control mood and behavior, and it aims to find out how these changes might help us develop better treatments for people struggling with cocaine addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $663,198 |
| NIH project number | 5DP1DA058362-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903745 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cocaine or have other substance use disorders unrelated to cocaine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of cocaine use on mitochondrial function, specifically in dopamine neurons, which are crucial for regulating mood and behavior. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR to manipulate specific genes, the study aims to measure how cocaine alters calcium and hydrogen peroxide signaling within mitochondria. This could help uncover the mechanisms behind cocaine addiction and its effects on brain energy metabolism. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for cocaine use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies for cocaine use disorder, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach using CRISPR in this context is novel, previous research has shown that targeting mitochondrial function can yield significant insights into addiction mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
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Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abraham, Antony Daniel — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Abraham, Antony Daniel
Related research
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Psilocybin-Assisted ACT for Co-Occurring Cocaine Use Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
A new treatment combines psilocybin with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people who have both cocaine use disorder and major depressive disorder.
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Cholinergic Dysregulation and Cognitive Flexibility in Cocaine Use Disorder
A research study explores how cocaine changes brain signaling to affect flexible thinking and decision-making in people with cocaine use disorder.
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Oligonucleotide therapy to help cocaine use disorder reach the brain
A new ASO-based approach aims to deliver gene-targeting therapy across the blood–brain barrier to help people with cocaine use disorder.
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Accelerated TMS for Cocaine Use Disorder
A new, faster brain-stimulation treatment is being tested to help adults with cocaine use disorder reduce cravings and use.
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.