UT San Antonio Researchers Won Grant to Study Addiction
Local scientists received funding to explore how brain cells influence addiction to cocaine and opioids.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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The National Institute on Drug Abuse awarded a two-year, $368,392 grant to UT San Antonio to study the role of astrocytes in drug addiction. This research aims to identify new therapeutic targets for treating dependence on substances like cocaine and fentanyl.
Why it matters
By uncovering how specific brain cells drive drug cravings, this work could lead to new, more effective strategies for treating opioid and stimulant addiction. The findings may ultimately pave the way for a three-year phase of functional validation to test potential interventions.
In a preclinical study, activating VTA astrocytes showed varied effects on cocaine-associated preferences in rats, depending on their prior exposure history. Researchers are currently analyzing 23,000 gene messages and structures to map molecular programs within these cells.
The players
Matthew Wanat
A researcher at UT San Antonio leading the project on astrocyte influence in drug addiction.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
The federal agency that funds research to improve the understanding and treatment of drug abuse and addiction.
UT San Antonio
A public research university in Texas currently hosting studies on addiction and neuroscience.
The details
Astrocytes are specialized brain cells that support neurons, but they also actively regulate neural circuits involved in reward and addiction. By manipulating the gene expression and molecular output of these cells within the ventral tegmental area (VTA), researchers hope to influence the brain's response to addictive substances. This study seeks to map how these molecular programs change, providing a blueprint for potential future treatments that stabilize these neural pathways.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The research project funding was announced.
Health Landscape
This research aligns with the National Institute on Drug Abuse neuroscience research portfolio by investigating the cellular mechanisms of dependency. It builds upon existing efforts to identify molecular pathways that govern addiction in the human brain.
This project is in the exploratory discovery stage, meaning it does not currently provide immediate changes to your personal medical care or treatment options. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, consult a physician about evidence-based treatments currently available.
The takeaway
Understanding how astrocytes influence the brain may eventually reveal new paths for treating addiction. Stay informed by monitoring official updates from institutions like the National Institute on Drug Abuse regarding new therapeutic breakthroughs.
Further reading
For more information on current developments, visit Substance Abuse.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Paisano.
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Should government agencies prioritize funding for novel addiction research involving brain cell study?
