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Does Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 (AEG-1), a Novel Transcriptional Regulator, Mediate an Anti-opioid System?

Award Number: R21DA062929
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/15/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2028

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Does Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 (AEG-1), a Novel Transcriptional Regulator, Mediate an Anti-opioid System? - Summary Adequate management of pain is an unmet medical need. Opioid analgesics that act on the μ-opioid receptor remain important pain medications but their use in chronic pain have substantial liabilities and has contributed to what is now referred to as the “opioid epidemic”. A large body of evidence suggest that activation of MOR by opioids triggers distinct signaling events that differentially control various pharmacological responses. As a result, identification of molecules or mechanisms that control MOR signaling remains critical and could provide new targets for increasing the efficacy and safety of opioid analgesics. This proposal focuses on a new protein, Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 (AEG-1), as a possible endogenous anti-opioid regulator. We hypothesize that AEG-1 plays an important role in regulating morphine antinociceptive properties via peripheral neuronal sensory neuroinflammatory mechanisms without altering morphine reward and dependence. We will interrogate our hypothesis using the following specific aims. In Aim 1, we will identify the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the deletion of AEG-1 reverses morphine antinociceptive tolerance. In Aim 2, we will evaluate the impact of AEG-1 deletion on morphine reward and dependence. The results of these studies will facilitate designing potential AEG-1-inhibitory strategies to increase safety and efficacy of opioid analgesic pharmacotherapy.


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 = $426,938 )
2026	2026	VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY	910 WEST FRANKLIN ST	RICHMOND	VA	23284	RICHMOND CITY	USA	Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs	000	1	6/8/2026	NEW	$426,938
														Subtotal = $426,938

Grand Total All Awards = $426,938

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Does Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 (AEG-1), a Novel Transcriptional Regulator, Mediate an Anti-opioid System?

Award Number: R21DA062929

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/15/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2028

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