Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( 🔒 ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Need Help

Physiological Characterization of PBN CGRP Neurons During Chronic Opioid Exposure and Withdrawal

Award Number: F31DA066957
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/12/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/11/2029

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Physiological Characterization of PBN CGRP Neurons During Chronic Opioid Exposure and Withdrawal - PROJECT SUMMARY The cycle of opioid-use disorder (OUD) is perpetuated by strong aversive states due to withdrawal from opioids. Yet, the cellular and molecular underpinnings of the negative physiological, affective, and reinforcement learning states due to opioid withdrawal are poorly understood. Recent studies have implicated the external lateral parabrachial nucleus (elPBN) – a hub for pain and aversion – as a new region of interest in the study of substance use disorders. Within the elPBN are the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP, Calca) neurons, which have been shown to be strongly involved in pain and implicated in opioid withdrawal. However, the mechanism of how these cells adapt across opioid exposure and withdrawal is still unknown. My preliminary data show that opioid withdrawal elevates cFos, a marker for neuronal activation, and Oprm1, the gene for the mu-opioid receptor, in the elPBN and in elPBNCGRP neurons. Bulk RNAseq of the elPBN revealed differential regulation of ion-channel genes during withdrawal. Additionally, our fiber photometry data show heightened calcium activity of elPBNCGRP neurons during opioid withdrawal from mice dependent on morphine. Altogether, this suggests opioid withdrawal leads to neurophysiological and genetic changes within elPBNCGRP that may contribute to aversive states known to propel OUDs. Based on these data, I hypothesize that opioid withdrawal induces neurophysiological and molecular alterations in elPBNCGRP neurons that increase excitability and synaptic function and alter the translatome of genes associated with ion channel expression and synaptic receptors. To test this, my first aim will use whole cell patch- clamp electrophysiology and inhibitory chemogenetic approaches to compare control, opioid dependent and opioid withdrawal states and determine whether these cells are necessary for withdrawal. My second aim will use a RiboTag technique to isolate actively translating mRNA from elPBNCGRP neurons in control, opioid dependent, and opioid withdrawn mice to learn about the specific transcriptional changes occurring within CGRP cells that may contribute to altered neurophysiology. By combining cellular physiology with cell-type specific transcriptomics, this project can reveal the role that elPBNCGRP cells play in opioid use and opioid withdrawal. I will gain new training in patch-clamp electrophysiology, isolation of tagged ribosomes, bioinformatic analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication with my sponsor, Dr. Barbara Juarez, and co-sponsor, Dr. Asaf Keller. This proposal and completion of my training goals will strengthen my skillset and establish a foundation for me to be an independent addiction scientist.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $37,731 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE	220 ARCH ST OFC LEVEL2	BALTIMORE	MD	21201	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs	000	1	8/12/2026	NEW	$37,731
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE	220 ARCH ST OFC LEVEL2	BALTIMORE	MD	21201	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs	001	1	8/12/2026	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $37,731

Grand Total All Awards = $37,731

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Physiological Characterization of PBN CGRP Neurons During Chronic Opioid Exposure and Withdrawal

Award Number: F31DA066957

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/12/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/11/2029

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer