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Mapping Neural Circuit and Network Contribution to Addiction Development Using an Integrated fMRI, Calcium Miniscope, and Drug Self-administration System

Award Number: R21DA066213
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2028

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Mapping Neural Circuit and Network Contribution to Addiction Development Using an Integrated fMRI, Calcium Miniscope, and Drug Self-administration System - PROJECT SUMMARY Cocaine self-administration (SA) models are essential for replicating the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying human addiction. However, traditional approaches lack the capacity to capture real-time neuronal and network dynamics during addiction development and compulsive drug use. This project introduces a novel MRI-compatible SA system integrating calcium imaging with fMRI (SORDINO-fMRI), enabling simultaneous recording of neuronal activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and whole-brain network adaptations. We focus on the mPFC's role in coordinating behavior with large-scale networks such as the salience network (SN), default mode network (DMN), and lateral control network (LCN). Our aims are: (1) to track how SN-, DMN-, and LCN-related mPFC neurons dynamically couple with lever-pressing behavior across addiction phases; (2) to identify changes in network organization during the emergence of compulsivity; and (3) to determine how chemogenetic inhibition of the anterior insula (AI), a hub in the SN, alters mPFC function and suppresses compulsive behavior. This project aims to bridge the gap between microscale neuronal activities and macroscale brain network dynamics, providing insights into addiction mechanisms that could inform targeted and personalized interventions. By linking immediate neural responses to long-term network alterations, our approach aims to deliver a holistic understanding of addiction, contributing to the development of more effective and individualized treatments. 1


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 = $427,625 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL	104 AIRPORT DR STE 2200	CHAPEL HILL	NC	27599	ORANGE	USA	Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs	000	1	6/23/2026	NEW	$427,625
														Subtotal = $427,625

Grand Total All Awards = $427,625

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Mapping Neural Circuit and Network Contribution to Addiction Development Using an Integrated fMRI, Calcium Miniscope, and Drug Self-administration System

Award Number: R21DA066213

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

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

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2028

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