Newly Funded Grants

July 2025

MEDICINAL CANNABIS RESEARCH LABORATORY (CMCR), REFERENCE LABORATORY

DOP Researcher Name(s): PIs: Igor Grant, MD, Tom Marcotte, PhD
Type of Grant: N/A
Project Period: 7/1/25-6/30/28
Total Cost: $6,518,301
Funding Agency: State of California

THE ROLE OF TREM2 IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE RELATED NEUROPATHOGENESIS IN PEOPLE WITH HIV

DOP Researcher Name(s): PI: Jerel Adam Fields, PhD
Type of Grant: R01
Project Period: 07/01/2025 – 06/30/2030
Total Cost: $3,776,237
Funding Agency: NIA
Abstract: This R01 project proposes a 5-year study on how TREM2, an immune receptor in brain macrophages, contributes to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in people with HIV (PWH). HIV may accelerate AD-like neurodegeneration by disrupting TREM2 function, increasing inflammation and amyloid-beta buildup. Preliminary findings show HIV and inflammation reduce TREM2 levels, while cannabinoids may restore its function. The study will explore these mechanisms in mouse models, cell cultures, and postmortem brain tissues to identify therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases in PWH.

ADDICTION MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP

DOP Researcher Name(s): PI: Carla Marienfeld, MD, DFAPA, FASAM
Type of Grant: Educational
Project Period: 07/01/2025 - 06/30/2030
Total Cost: $2,999,224
Funding Agency: HRSA - Health Resources and Services Administration
Abstract: The UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry is proud to announce that Dr. Carla Marienfeld, Program Director and Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Director, has been awarded a substantial HRSA Addiction Medicine Fellowship grant, totaling almost $3,000,000. This critical funding, active from 2025 to 2030, aims to significantly expand the number of addiction medicine and psychiatry specialists. The grant, from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), supports programs training physicians to practice in medically underserved and community-based settings, integrating primary care with mental health and substance use disorder prevention and treatment services, ultimately addressing the critical shortage of addiction specialists.

FROM CHILDHOOD TO ADULTHOOD: THE CO-OCCURRENCE OF TRAUMA, SUBSTANCE USE, AND ADDITIONAL STRESSORS

DOP Researcher Name(s) PI: Herry Patel, PhD
Type of Grant: K99/R00
Project Period: 07/01/2025 - 06/30/2030
Total Cost: $1,042,984
Funding agency: NIDA
Abstract: This project, using longitudinal data from two large nationwide datasets, will determine how and when trauma and substance use co-occur from childhood and adulthood, and how and when additional stressors exacerbate or buffer the co-occurrence. Understanding how and when these relationships co-occur among adolescents can tell us what is happening differently from adults, helping us identify when to intervene early and optimize resources to youth who would benefit the most to prevent severe adverse outcomes in adulthood.

ENHANCING ADDICTION SEVERITY PREDICTION BY MODULATING GABAERGIC ACTIVITY IN THE CENTRAL AMYGDALA OF RATTACA RATS

DOP Researcher Name(s): (PI) Marsida Kallupi, PhD; (Co-I) Abraham Palmer
Type of Grant: R21
Project Period: 07/15/2025 - 06/30/2027
Total Cost: $438,750
Funding Agency: NIH/NIDA
Abstract: Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD) is a major public health issue with limited treatments. This NIDA R21 grant investigates pre-existing differences in GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission in the central amygdala (CeA) that may drive addiction susceptibility. Using RATTACA, a novel method for predicting addiction-like behaviors in rats, we aim to characterize basal and cocaine-modulated CeA transmission in high- and low-susceptibility animals.

PARENTAL DIGITAL LOCATION TRACKING AND ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE MISUSE

DOP Researcher Name(s) PI: William Pelham, PhD
Type of Grant: R21
Project Period: 07/15/2025 - 07/14/2027
Total Cost: $437,250
Funding Agency: NIDA
Abstract: This project investigates how parents can use smartphone-based tracking of teens' location (e.g., Life360) to deter teens from using alcohol and drugs. We will conduct the first longitudinal and nationwide survey of DLT and detailed study of its effects on substance use and family functioning. Because DLT is low-burden and requires minimal training to use, it could comprise a scalable and impactful technique to help parents better monitor at-risk teens and reduce the acute and long-term consequences of substance involvement.