Preclinical Study of Neuropeptide S Receptor Compounds in Treating Opioid Addiction
New drug target to combat opioid addiction.
Project is Not Currently Available
This project is not being offered for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.
Project description
The current gold standard therapy for opioid addiction is a "replacement therapy" where a less efficacious opioid is given to the patient. However, patients often have difficulty abstaining from seeking out the desired drug and relapse to addiction behavior. Therefore, there is a need to find new pharmacological targets that are able to mitigate opioid relapse. Neuropeptide S receptor antagonists have been previously shown to curb cocaine taking and seeking. This class of compound has not yet been tested for their abilities to reduce opioid-related behaviors. Our lab is exploring the use of these compounds in animal models of addiction and their actions at the cellular level.
Project outcome
New students will build new skills in research implementation. As the students grow with the project, more responsibilities will lead to opportunities to present at local and national meetings.
Project details
| Length of commitment | Year-long (10-12 months) |
| Start time | Anytime |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-Person Project (can only function with in-person engagement) |
| Level of collaboration | Small group project (2-3 students) |
| Benefits | Academic Credit Work Study |
| Who is eligible | All undergraduate students |
Project mentor
Stewart Clark
Associate Professor
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Phone: (716) 829-3810
Email: stewartc@buffalo.edu
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. After you’re approved to begin the project, your mentor will send the relevant materials. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
- Online training, see link on this page: https://www.buffalo.edu/research/research-services/compliance/iacuc/training-and-webinars.html
Keywords
neuroscience, pharmacology, toxicology, addiction