Brain enkephalin peptides that affect alcohol-related thinking problems
Examining the role of novel proenkephalin peptides in influencing alcohol-induced cognitive dysfunction
Looking at whether natural brain peptides called enkephalins influence thinking and relapse risk for people with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11336892 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on natural brain chemicals called enkephalins that are released when alcohol is consumed and may change thinking and memory. The researchers use laboratory models to see how novel proenkephalin peptides and mu-opioid receptor signaling in the frontal cortex affect cognitive function and alcohol-seeking behavior. Their experiments examine biochemical changes after alcohol exposure and how altering these peptide signals changes relapse-like responses. The long-term aim is to identify targets that could guide new treatments to protect thinking and reduce return-to-drinking.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with alcohol use disorder, particularly those who struggle with relapse or have alcohol-related cognitive problems, are the people this research is most relevant to.
Not a fit: People without alcohol use disorder or whose drinking problems arise from causes unrelated to opioid/enkephalin systems are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent relapse and improve thinking in people recovering from alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Opioid-blocking drugs like naltrexone have helped reduce drinking in people, but targeting specific enkephalin peptides is a newer approach that has mainly been tested in animal studies so far.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Natividad, Luis Alberto — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Natividad, Luis Alberto
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.