Brain circuit changes that drive compulsive alcohol drinking
Striatal Microcircuit Dynamics of Ethanol Habits
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11329070
This project looks at whether changes in specific brain cells and their surrounding matrix cause compulsive alcohol drinking and could point to new treatments for people with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11329070 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on a type of brain cell in the dorsolateral striatum called fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs) that help control repetitive drinking. They will study how alcohol alters inhibitory signals onto these cells and how the surrounding extracellular matrix (perineuronal nets) may break down after repeated drinking. The team will use molecular tools, electrophysiology (cell recordings), and circuit-level experiments mainly in laboratory models to map how these changes develop. Findings are intended to reveal targets that could be corrected to reduce compulsive alcohol use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with alcohol use disorder, especially those who struggle with compulsive or recurring heavy drinking, would be the most relevant group for eventual clinical applications.
Not a fit: People without alcohol use disorder or whose drinking problems are driven mainly by social, psychological, or non-neural causes may not directly benefit from these biological findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new biological targets for treatments that reduce compulsive alcohol drinking.
How similar studies have performed: Animal research has previously linked these interneurons to compulsive drinking, but translating those findings into human treatments is still novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MATHUR, BRIAN NEIL — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- Study coordinator: MATHUR, BRIAN NEIL
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.