Understanding how cocaine cues trigger cravings in the brain
Official title: Rapid protein translation in nucleus accumbens neurons in response to a cocaine-associated cue
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11070723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how reminders of cocaine use can make people who are recovering from addiction feel strong cravings, and it's using rats to help understand how the brain reacts to these reminders, which could lead to better ways to help people stay on their recovery journey.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $234,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA060442-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cocaine use who are currently in recovery and experiencing cravings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never used 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 cues associated with cocaine use can trigger cravings and relapse in individuals recovering from addiction. By studying rats, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms in the brain that lead to increased craving after withdrawal from cocaine. They will analyze the translation of specific mRNAs in neurons of the nucleus accumbens, a brain region involved in addiction, to identify changes that occur when these cues are presented. This approach may reveal important insights into the biological processes that sustain cravings and could inform future treatments for addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for reducing cravings and preventing relapse in individuals recovering from cocaine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of craving can lead to effective interventions, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolf, Marina Elizabeth — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Wolf, Marina Elizabeth
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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.