Understanding how genetic differences affect sensitivity to ultra-potent synthetic opioids in mice
Official title: Genetic Variation of Ultra-Potent Synthetic Opioid Sensitivity in Mice
Funded at Jackson Laboratory · NIH-11079610 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different genes in mice affect their reactions to strong synthetic opioids like fentanyl, with the hope of discovering new ways to help people who overdose on these drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $443,446 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059060-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079610 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would include individuals at risk of opioid overdose, particularly those using ultra-potent synthetic opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use opioids or are not at risk of opioid overdose may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that influence how different mice respond to ultra-potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. By using genetically diverse mouse models, the study aims to identify specific genes that may contribute to variations in opioid toxicity. The researchers will employ advanced techniques like CRISPR gene editing and respiratory monitoring to assess how these genetic differences affect the mice's response to opioid exposure. The ultimate goal is to find new ways to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, particularly for those opioids that current treatments do not effectively address.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments for opioid overdoses, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using genetic models to study opioid sensitivity is established, the specific focus on ultra-potent synthetic opioids represents a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bubier, Jason a — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Bubier, Jason a
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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.