Understanding how genes and environment interact in opioid addiction
Official title: Low-input profiling of brain-region and cell-type specific epigenomic dynamics to understand gene-environment interactions in opioid addiction
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10928700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes and the environment around us can affect opioid addiction, especially during the teenage years, to better understand how these factors change the brain and might make some people more likely to struggle with addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $692,280 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA056187-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928700 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and adults who have experienced opioid exposure or are at risk for opioid addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to opioids or do not have a history of substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex relationship between genetic factors and environmental influences on opioid addiction, particularly focusing on how these interactions affect brain development and function. By utilizing advanced technologies, the study aims to explore the epigenomic changes that occur in response to drug exposure during adolescence. The researchers will analyze specific brain regions and cell types to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying addiction. This approach could help identify critical factors that contribute to addiction susceptibility and resilience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating opioid addiction by targeting the underlying genetic and environmental interactions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic and environmental factors in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Chang — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Lu, Chang
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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.