Understanding how specific brain circuits influence drug addiction and relapse
Official title: Control of drug-reward behavior and relapse vulnerability via a specialized serotonergic-septohippocampal circuit
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10869205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that make serotonin might help people recovering from addiction, like those trying to stay away from drugs, by influencing their memories and cravings for those substances.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $254,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA060373-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10869205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cocaine use who are currently in recovery and at risk of relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not used cocaine or those who are not currently in recovery from substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain brain neurons that produce serotonin affect the likelihood of relapse in individuals recovering from substance use disorders. By studying a specific type of serotonergic neuron, the researchers aim to understand how these neurons influence the memory of drug-related contexts and the motivation to seek drugs like cocaine. The approach involves examining the connections and functions of these neurons in various brain regions associated with memory and addiction. This could lead to new insights into how to better support individuals in recovery from addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing relapse in individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of serotonin in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dymecki, Susan M. — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Dymecki, Susan M.
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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.