Understanding how heroin addiction affects brain cells and behavior
Transcriptional, functional, and circuit profiling at single cell resolution of neuronal ensembles engaged by heroin relapse
This study looks at how heroin addiction affects brain cells and their genes, hoping to find out why some people can't stop using the drug, which could lead to better treatments for those who need help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11055473 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the changes in brain cell function and gene expression that occur due to heroin addiction. By examining individual brain cells, the study aims to identify specific alterations that lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior in some individuals. The approach involves advanced techniques to analyze gene expression at a single-cell level, providing a more detailed understanding of the neural circuits involved in addiction. This could help in developing targeted treatments for those struggling with addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of heroin use or those struggling with opioid addiction.
Not a fit: Patients who have not used opioids or those with other types of substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for heroin addiction by targeting the specific brain changes associated with the disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding addiction through gene expression analysis, but this approach at the single-cell level is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stuber, Garret D — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Stuber, Garret D
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 below.