Brain immune signaling that drives heavy drinking and withdrawal
9/10 Electrophysiology of Alcohol in Extended Amygdala
['FUNDING_U01'] · SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE · NIH-11296883
It looks at whether a brain immune molecule called IL‑6 helps cause heavier drinking and worse withdrawal in people with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11296883 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project follows how alcohol changes immune signals in brain regions that control drinking and anxiety. The team focuses on a molecule called interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) and examines gene activity, cell responses, and synaptic communication in the central amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex. They use lab experiments (including animal and cellular models), transcriptomics, and functional tests to see whether altering IL‑6 signaling changes drinking-like behaviors and withdrawal-related anxiety. The work compares males and females and different brain cell types to identify more targeted treatment approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with alcohol use disorder who drink heavily or experience withdrawal symptoms would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without alcohol problems or whose drinking is driven by non-immune causes may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that reduce heavy drinking and ease withdrawal symptoms by targeting brain inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Animal and lab studies have linked immune signals to drinking behavior, but IL‑6–targeted treatments in humans are still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROBERTO, MARISA — SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE
- Study coordinator: ROBERTO, MARISA
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.
Conditions: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome