Understanding how opioid dependence affects brain signaling
Signaling balance and opioid dependence
This study is looking at how long-term use of opioids affects the brain and behavior, using a special mouse model to help us understand what happens in the brain when someone becomes dependent on these drugs, with the hope of finding better treatments for people dealing with opioid addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10912690 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological mechanisms behind opioid dependence, focusing on how long-term opioid use alters brain signaling and behavior. By using a specially designed mouse model with modified opioid receptors, the study aims to differentiate between the effects of drug exposure and the underlying changes that contribute to substance use disorder. The goal is to better understand the cognitive and behavioral impacts of opioid addiction, which could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients struggling with opioid dependence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been prescribed opioids for pain management and are at risk of developing substance use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who are not using opioids or those with no history of substance use disorder may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that reduce the risk of addiction and improve pain management for patients requiring long-term opioid use.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the biological mechanisms of addiction, but this specific approach using modified receptors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- 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
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.