Understanding how opiates affect brain cells involved in addiction
Official title: Ventral Tegmental Area GABA Neurons: Plasticity & Opiate Receptors at InhibitoryInputs
Funded at Brigham Young University · NIH-10974737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how morphine affects certain brain cells that play a big role in our feelings of pleasure and reward, with the goal of finding better ways to help people who are dealing with opiate addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham Young University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Provo, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $454,500 |
| NIH project number | 2R15DA049260-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing issues related to opiate addiction or substance abuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with substance abuse or addiction may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of opiates on specific brain cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which is crucial for the brain's reward system. By examining how morphine influences the connections between inhibitory GABA neurons and other cells, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind addiction and relapse. The approach involves analyzing synaptic plasticity, which refers to how these connections change in response to opiate exposure. This understanding could lead to improved treatments for individuals struggling with opiate addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing relapse in individuals recovering from opiate addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the brain's reward pathways and their alterations due to substance abuse, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham Young University
Provo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Edwards, Jeffrey G — Brigham Young University
- Study coordinator: Edwards, Jeffrey G
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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.