Understanding how genetic and epigenetic factors influence cocaine addiction
Official title: The Genetic and Epigenetic Interplay of Cocaine Addiction: A Cell-Type, Circuitry, and Functional Dissection
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10935638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes and their changes affect cocaine addiction in mice, hoping to learn more about what makes some people more likely to struggle with cocaine use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $492,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP1DA061008-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935638 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cocaine use disorder or those at risk of developing such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of substance use disorders or are not affected by cocaine addiction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interplay between genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to cocaine addiction using a mouse model. By analyzing the changes in gene expression and epigenetic modifications after cocaine self-administration, the study aims to identify specific cellular and circuit-level alterations. The project employs advanced techniques such as DNA methylation profiling and chromatin accessibility assessments to uncover the biological mechanisms behind addiction. Ultimately, this research seeks to enhance our understanding of how these factors influence behavior and susceptibility to cocaine use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the biological mechanisms of cocaine addiction, potentially informing future treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding addiction through genetic and epigenetic studies, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Zhuzhu — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Zhuzhu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Reducing Addiction Risk in High Schools Through Better Prevention Infrastructure
Aims to build a sustainable, school-based system to prevent opioid and other drug use among high school students, especially those at higher risk.
-
HEAL Data Platform to share addiction-related data across programs
A platform project to make HEAL data from many programs easier to find and use, helping researchers and clinicians access information about addiction in children and youth.
-
Cognitively-enhanced tDCS to reduce cocaine craving
A study to test whether real brain stimulation together with learning strategies can lessen craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Yale center researching how tobacco products affect use and addiction in people
A Yale research center is studying how nicotine, flavor additives, and other ingredients in tobacco products influence people’s likelihood of starting and becoming addicted.
-
Atherosclerosis in cocaine addiction: imaging risk with PET/MR
This project uses PET/MR imaging to look for early artery disease in people with cocaine use disorder to help prevent strokes or other brain injuries.
-
Integrating long-acting PrEP into street medicine for people who use drugs
This project tests whether a long-acting HIV prevention shot (lenacapavir) can be feasibly and acceptably offered by street-based health teams to people who use drugs.
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.