Understanding how opioid dependence affects brain signaling
Official title: Signaling balance and opioid dependence
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10912690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $584,430 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA056543-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been prescribed opioids for pain management and are at risk of developing substance use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not using opioids or those with no history of substance use disorder may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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.