Understanding how opioid dependence affects brain cells
Official title: Single cell RNA profiles of opioid dependence
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10896390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term use of opioids affects brain cells and behavior, using mice to help us understand addiction better, which could lead to better treatments for people dealing with opioid dependence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $190,828 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA058887-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have a history of opioid use and may be experiencing issues related to substance use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never used opioids or are under 21 years old may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological changes in brain cells associated with opioid dependence, focusing on how long-term opioid use can lead to substance use disorder (SUD). By using a specially designed mouse model, the study aims to differentiate between the effects of drug exposure and the underlying mechanisms of addiction. The goal is to better understand the behavioral and cognitive changes that occur in individuals with a history of opioid use, which could lead to improved treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the biological basis of their condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for individuals struggling with opioid dependence and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on opioid dependence, this specific approach using a modified mouse model to study long-term behavioral changes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whistler, Jennifer L — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Whistler, Jennifer L
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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.