# Early resource scarcity effects on addiction-related behavior: a novel role for retrotransposons.

> **NIH NIH K99** · GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $158,256

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
DNA is generally thought of as stable. However, retrotransposons are mobile elements that result in new copy
insertions in DNA. Emerging evidence suggests retrotransposons can be affected by changes in the
environment, suggesting a novel mechanism by which exposure to early life insults can cause enduring effects.
The long-term goal of this proposal is to provide enhanced training that will enable the applicant to establish
novel mechanisms by which reward circuitry is affected. Aims in this proposal will test the extent to which the
retrotransposon, long-interspersed element 1 (L1) is impacted by environmental conditions and the impact on
behavior related to substance use disorder (SUD) in adulthood. In the K99 phase, Aim1 will utilize innovative
molecular-genetic approaches to determine where de novo L1 insertions reside within the basolateral amygdala
(BLA) due to early life adversity (ELA). Aim 2 will utilize magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) to determine
whether de novo L1 insertions reside within a particular cell type. In the R00 independent phase, the applicant
will leverage this training to advance a research program that expands to studying L1 throughout development
and the impact on morphine self-administration. The innovative approach of this proposal comes from the
intersection of technical and conceptual advances in molecular biology, behavioral neuroendocrinology, and
addiction neuroscience. Expanding basic knowledge of mechanisms by which the reward pathway is impacted
can provide a critical foundation for future design of treatments for substance use disorder and other
neuropsychiatric disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10865746
- **Project number:** 1K99DA060266-01
- **Recipient organization:** GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Amelia Cuarenta
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $158,256
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10865746

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10865746, Early resource scarcity effects on addiction-related behavior: a novel role for retrotransposons. (1K99DA060266-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10865746. Licensed CC0.

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