Understanding how different brain cells respond to opioids
A comprehensive dissection of cell types, circuits and molecular adaptations during opioid use
This study is looking at how different brain cells respond to opioids to help find better ways to manage pain and reduce the risks of addiction, which could lead to improved treatments for people dealing with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11053643 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the organization of the opioid system in the brain by identifying which cell types express various opioid receptors. It utilizes a large database of single-cell RNA sequencing to catalog these cell types and their molecular adaptations during opioid use. By understanding how opioids affect brain circuits and behavior, the research aims to identify potential targets for improving pain relief and reducing the risks associated with opioid use disorder. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better treatments for addiction and pain management.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with opioid use disorder or those who are interested in understanding the effects of opioids on the brain.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use opioids or have no history of opioid use disorder may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for opioid addiction and enhanced pain management strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding opioid receptor interactions, but this approach using extensive single-cell RNA sequencing is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scherrer, Gregory — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Scherrer, Gregory
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 below.