Understanding how different drugs affect brain behavior and gene expression
Official title: Reprogramming KZFP function to understand drug-specific transcription and behavior
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11078788 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain reacts differently to addictions like cocaine and opioids, and it hopes to find new ways to help people struggling with these addictions by understanding the changes in brain cells caused by these drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $524,682 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA058089-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078788 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with stimulant addiction, particularly those with a history of cocaine use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not addicted to stimulants or opioids may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular processes in the brain that differentiate addiction to stimulants like cocaine from addiction to opioids. By using synthetic transcription factors delivered to a specific brain region, the study aims to manipulate and understand how these factors influence gene expression related to drug addiction. The approach involves advanced techniques to analyze changes in brain cells in response to drug use, which could lead to new treatments for addiction. The findings could provide insights into the unique adaptations that occur in the brain due to different types of addictive substances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted medications that are more effective in treating specific types of drug addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using synthetic transcription factors to manipulate gene expression, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hamilton, Peter James — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Hamilton, Peter James
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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.