How a brain receptor links heavy drinking and depression
Official title: The Neurokinin-1 Receptor as a Mediator of Alcoholism and Depression Comorbidity
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11400454 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work tests whether blocking a brain receptor called NK1R can reduce stress-driven heavy drinking and depressive symptoms in people with both alcohol problems and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2018 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $340,622 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA026362-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400454 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with alcohol use disorder who also have clinically significant symptoms of depression would be the most likely candidates for therapies that come from this research.
✕Less likely to help
People whose drinking is not driven by stress or who do not have co-occurring depression are less likely to benefit from NK1R-targeted approaches.
What this research studies
Researchers are mapping brain circuits that use the neuropeptide substance P and its receptor NK1R in stress- and reward-related areas like the nucleus accumbens and central amygdala. Using animal models of social stress and escalated alcohol drinking, they trace substance P–positive projections from the paraventricular thalamus and manipulate NK1R signaling to see how it changes drinking and depression-like behaviors. The team aims to find where and how NK1R acts in these circuits so that targeting it could stop stress-triggered drinking and mood symptoms. Results could guide development of drugs or other treatments for people who struggle with both alcohol use disorder and depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to NK1R-targeting treatments that reduce stress-related alcohol craving and improve depressive symptoms in people with both conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical animal studies have shown promising effects of blocking NK1R on stress-related drinking, while early human trials have had mixed results, so this approach is promising but not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schank, Jesse R — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Schank, Jesse R
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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.