Understanding how nicotine addiction affects behavior and brain circuits
Official title: Anatomical Basis for Nicotine Addiction
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10908056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how nicotine affects the brain and behavior, especially how it makes people want to seek out nicotine and learn faster about things related to it, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about nicotine addiction and finding better ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $418,750 |
| NIH project number | 4R37DA014241-21 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals struggling with nicotine addiction or those who have a history of tobacco use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use nicotine or have never been exposed to tobacco products may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex mechanisms behind nicotine addiction, focusing on how certain brain circuits and signals influence behavior related to drug seeking. By studying both human subjects and animal models, the research aims to uncover how nicotine enhances the value of rewards and accelerates learning associated with cues linked to nicotine use. The team will explore specific brain circuits and cellular changes that occur after nicotine exposure, which may contribute to addiction. This comprehensive approach could lead to new insights into the biological basis of nicotine addiction and potential treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for nicotine addiction, helping patients reduce their dependence on tobacco products.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Picciotto, Marina R — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Picciotto, Marina R
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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.