TAAR 1 Modulation of Addiction-Related Effects of Nicotine

Li
This research explores the potential therapeutic value of Trace Amine Associated Receptor 1 (TAAR 1) agonists for nicotine addiction.

Trace amine associated receptor 1 (TAAR 1) has emerged as a novel target for the development of potential pharmacotherapy to treat drug addiction. In particular, the neuronal distribution of TAAR 1 overlaps with many key regions of the reward pathway, and biochemical studies reveal robust interactions between TAAR 1 signaling and dopamine transporters and D2 receptors. TAAR 1 agonists have been shown to attenuate several addiction-related behavioral effects of cocaine and methamphetamine. However, it is unknown of the role of TAAR 1 in mediating nicotine addiction. The proposed research is relevant to the part of NIH's mission that may identify novel pharmacotherapies to help combat nicotine addiction.

Principal Investigator
Jun-Xu Li, MD, PhD
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Funding Agency
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Grant Number
R21-DA040777

Dates
2016-2019