# The role of T-type calcium channels in the morphine effects in the nonspecific thalamus

> **NIH NIH K01** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2023 · $169,069

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
There is substantial interest in identifying intricate mechanisms of the morphine-mediated effects and opioid
addiction in order to expand strategies for novel therapies. Although the role of nonspecific thalamus in regulation
of consciousness is well documented, its possible role in the morphine-mediated effects and addiction is not well
studied. Principal Investigator (PI) has recently discovered the role of CaV3.1 isoform of T-type calcium channels
(T-channels) in the central medial nucleus of thalamus (CeM) in neuronal excitability regulation and
thalamocortical oscillations during anesthesia. Furthermore, based on the new exciting preliminary data, the
overarching goal of this proposal is to determine the functional role of CaV3.1 isoform of thalamic T-channels in
the morphine effects and addiction. It is hoped that this may form foundation for novel approaches to treatment
and/or prevention of opioid overuse. In Aim 1, I will use patch-clamp recordings and 2-photon calcium imaging
from acute brain slices ex vivo and projection-specific targeting and manipulating CeM neurons to determine
acute and lasting effects of morphine exposure (after repeated morphine exposure and morphine-induced
conditioned place preference – CPP) on T-channels and excitability of CeM neurons. In Aim 2, I will use
behavioral experiments relevant to the addiction: CPP and self-administartion (SA) models, in vivo viral silencing
technologies (with small hairpin RNA (shRNA) and Cre-specific knocking-out (KO)) and chemogenetic method
for transient behavioral modulation to investigate functional role of thalamic T-channels in addiction.
Completion of these aims will generate new insights into the mechanisms of the morphine effects and opioid
addiction that could identify new treatment options. The PI will receive mentorship and technical training in
addictive behavior and viral technologies by experts in electrophysiology and viral technologies in motivated
behaviors. University of Colorado and the Department of Anesthesiology provide exceptional facilities and
resources for completing the proposed experiments, as well as having an exceptional reputation and record of
accomplishment for mentoring and transitioning early-stage into independent investigators. The proposed
training, education and research will provide the PI with the technical and professional training to become a
successful, independent investigator.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10661082
- **Project number:** 5K01DA055258-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Tamara Timic Stamenic
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $169,069
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-08-01 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10661082

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10661082, The role of T-type calcium channels in the morphine effects in the nonspecific thalamus (5K01DA055258-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10661082. Licensed CC0.

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