Understanding how stress affects impulsivity and addiction in the brain.
Official title: Cell-specific epigenetic and transcriptomic signatures of impulsivity and its regulation by stress in the nucleus accumbens
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-10848182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how stress and tough experiences early in life can affect the brain and lead to impulsive behaviors and substance use problems, using rodent models to find clues that might help us understand who is more likely to struggle with addiction, so we can create better prevention and treatment options for those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $119,593 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA055846-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10848182 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of early life stress or those at risk for developing substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of substance use or those not affected by early life stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological factors that contribute to impulsivity and the development of substance use disorders, particularly in the context of stress. By using rodent models, the study examines how early life adversity influences gene expression and chromatin changes in specific brain cells, particularly in the nucleus accumbens, which is crucial for addiction-related behaviors. The goal is to identify molecular signatures that predict resilience to substance abuse, which could lead to improved prevention strategies and tailored pain management approaches for individuals at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective prevention strategies for opioid use disorder and improved pain management techniques.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the biological underpinnings of addiction and impulsivity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wimmer, Mathieu — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Wimmer, Mathieu
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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.