Understanding the genetic factors behind fentanyl and cocaine addiction
Official title: Dissecting the shared genetic mechanisms driving fentanyl addiction, cocaine addiction, and incentive sensitization using the Collaborative Cross mouse panel
Funded at Marshall University · NIH-11095855 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes might play a role in addiction to fentanyl and cocaine, using mice to see how different genetic traits affect behavior, with the hope of finding new ways to help people who are dealing with these addictions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marshall University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Huntington, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $665,993 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057931-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095855 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are struggling with addiction to cocaine or fentanyl.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not addicted to cocaine or fentanyl, or those under 21 years old, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic mechanisms that contribute to addiction to fentanyl and cocaine, focusing on how these substances affect brain reward systems. By using a special panel of mice that represent a wide range of genetic diversity, researchers will explore how genetic variations influence behaviors associated with addiction. The study employs advanced techniques, including behavioral tests and neurophysiology assays, to uncover the underlying genetic drivers of addiction. The ultimate goal is to identify potential targets for new treatments that could help individuals struggling with these addictions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating fentanyl and cocaine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying genetic factors related to addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Marshall University
Huntington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dickson, Price Evans — Marshall University
- Study coordinator: Dickson, Price Evans
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Reducing Addiction Risk in High Schools Through Better Prevention Infrastructure
Aims to build a sustainable, school-based system to prevent opioid and other drug use among high school students, especially those at higher risk.
-
HEAL Data Platform to share addiction-related data across programs
A platform project to make HEAL data from many programs easier to find and use, helping researchers and clinicians access information about addiction in children and youth.
-
Cognitively-enhanced tDCS to reduce cocaine craving
A study to test whether real brain stimulation together with learning strategies can lessen craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Yale center researching how tobacco products affect use and addiction in people
A Yale research center is studying how nicotine, flavor additives, and other ingredients in tobacco products influence people’s likelihood of starting and becoming addicted.
-
Atherosclerosis in cocaine addiction: imaging risk with PET/MR
This project uses PET/MR imaging to look for early artery disease in people with cocaine use disorder to help prevent strokes or other brain injuries.
-
Integrating long-acting PrEP into street medicine for people who use drugs
This project tests whether a long-acting HIV prevention shot (lenacapavir) can be feasibly and acceptably offered by street-based health teams to people who use drugs.
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.