Understanding how gene expression in the habenula affects opioid addiction and depression
Official title: Regulation of Gene Expression in the Human Habenula in Comorbid Opioid Addiction and Depression
Funded at Lieber Institute, INC. · NIH-11105994 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes in a part of the brain called the habenula, which helps control our mood and motivation, might be linked to opioid addiction and depression, with the goal of finding better ways to treat these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lieber Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $680,018 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055823-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105994 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are experiencing both opioid addiction and major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a comorbidity of opioid addiction and depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gene expression in the habenula, a brain region involved in motivation and mood regulation, and its role in opioid addiction and depression. By utilizing advanced technologies, the study aims to create detailed molecular maps of the habenula to identify specific cell types and their functions. This approach will help uncover the genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to the dysfunction of this brain area in individuals suffering from both conditions. The findings could lead to new insights into how these disorders are interconnected and how they can be treated more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients dealing with both opioid addiction and depression.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction and depression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Lieber Institute, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maynard, Kristen Rose — Lieber Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Maynard, Kristen Rose
Related research
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Gene activity in the habenula of people with opioid addiction and depression
This work looks at which genes are active in a small brain region called the habenula to learn how it differs in people with opioid addiction, major depression, or both.
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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.