Epigenetic changes linked to anhedonia and fear in alcohol withdrawal
Official title: Epigenetic mechanisms of anhedonia and fear in AUD
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11400955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how brain cell changes during alcohol withdrawal may drive mood and fear problems, with potential to guide better treatments for AUD-related symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 3, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $213,553 |
| NIH project number | 5P50AA022538-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400955 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with alcohol use disorder experiencing withdrawal and related mood or fear-based symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
People without AUD or withdrawal symptoms may not directly benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project looks at how withdrawal from long-term alcohol use changes gene activity in specific brain cells, influencing depression- and fear-like behaviors. It uses human-relevant brain tissue analysis tools, including ATAC-seq and RNA sequencing, to map epigenetic and transcriptomic shifts. The goal is to connect these molecular changes in the hippocampus to withdrawal-associated mood disorders like depression, panic, and PTSD, and to identify potential targets for therapy. If successful, findings could point to new approaches to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and improve recovery for people with AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of the molecular drivers of withdrawal-related mood and fear could lead to targeted therapies for AUD and its comorbid conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown changes in epigenetic marks and neuroimmune signaling during withdrawal, supporting the potential for similar mechanisms to be relevant here.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcmurray, Katherine Miles Johnston — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Mcmurray, Katherine Miles Johnston
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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.