VTA neuromedin S in opioid responses
Official title: Ventral tegmental area neuromedin s expression and signaling in opioid responses
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11388260 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying a brain signal in a specific brain area to understand how opioids affect motivation and relapse, with the aim of finding non-opioid treatments for opioid use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $495,345 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA066149-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11388260 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patients in this basic-science study; findings may translate to people with opioid use disorder in future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without opioid exposure or without interest in neuroscience research are unlikely to directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on ventral tegmental area neurons that produce neuromedin S and how they respond to opioids like morphine. By using genetic tools and CRISPR-based methods, scientists will manipulate these neurons in targeted ways to see how changes influence opioid-related behaviors. The work aims to clarify the role of NMS-positive VTA neurons in addiction pathways, which could guide new non-opioid therapies. The study is conducted in adult mice and leverages human-relevant findings to inform future translational steps.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new targets for non-opioid treatments to reduce opioid craving and relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows VTA neuron subtypes influence drug-related behaviors, with targeted manipulation yielding behavioral changes in animal models.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mazei-Robison, Michelle Suzanne — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Mazei-Robison, Michelle Suzanne
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.