Why some people become more sensitive to cocaine over time
Project 2: Acute Cocaine Sensitivity and Chronic Sensitization
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JACKSON LABORATORY · NIH-11129647
This project looks at genetic and brain differences that might make some people more likely to develop stronger reactions to cocaine after repeated use.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JACKSON LABORATORY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BAR HARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11129647 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use mice and high-throughput behavioral tests to track how repeated cocaine exposure changes activity and motivation. They compare short-term increases in movement (psychomotor sensitization) with longer-term changes in drug-related motivation (incentive sensitization) and measure brain and genetic differences that vary between individuals. Genetic tools and neurobiological assays will be used to link specific genes and brain changes to heightened cocaine sensitivity. The goal is to identify biological markers that could point to who is at higher risk for developing cocaine use disorder.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a history of cocaine use or a family history of substance use disorders would be the most relevant group for the findings and for potential future human studies.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment for cocaine addiction are unlikely to receive direct therapeutic benefit from this primarily animal-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genes or brain changes that help predict who is at greater risk for cocaine addiction and guide future prevention or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have long used psychomotor sensitization to model addiction-related brain changes, but directly linking individual variation in locomotor sensitization to incentive sensitization and specific genes is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
BAR HARBOR, UNITED STATES
- JACKSON LABORATORY — BAR HARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TARANTINO, LISA M — JACKSON LABORATORY
- Study coordinator: TARANTINO, LISA M
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 below.
Conditions: Candidate Disease Gene