Fine mapping of Alcohol Use Disorder to find genes linked to risk
Official title: Project 5: Fine mapping of Alcohol Use Disorder
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11401908 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large genetic study from Virginia Commonwealth University aims to map specific genes that contribute to alcohol use disorder by combining data from related psychiatric traits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2014 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $185,175 |
| NIH project number | 5P50AA022537-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401908 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with alcohol use disorder or related psychiatric conditions whose genetic data can be analyzed alongside relevant traits.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without AUD or related traits may not directly benefit from this genetic analysis.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced Bayesian methods to combine genetic data from alcohol use disorder with information from related conditions like bipolar disorder and depression. Researchers will integrate common and rare genetic signals to pinpoint likely disease-related genes within known genetic regions. The goal is to uncover molecular pathways and cell types involved in AUD to better understand how it develops. Results from public genome-wide studies will be harmonized and analyzed in a unified framework to improve gene discovery and biological insight.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better understanding of the biological roots of AUD and inform future treatments or prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior joint analyses of correlated traits have increased power to detect genetic factors for complex disorders, supporting the potential for similar gains in AUD.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Riley, Brien P — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Riley, Brien P
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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.