How a brain stress chemical (CRF) influences binge drinking
The role of corticotropin releasing factor in binge-like ethanol drinking
This work looks at whether a stress-related brain chemical called CRF helps drive binge drinking and could point to ways to help people who drink heavily.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332838 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using mouse models to explore how a stress-related brain chemical called corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) influences binge-like alcohol drinking. They map and manipulate brain circuits—including the lateral hypothalamus—and use drugs that change CRF receptor signaling to see how these changes affect drinking behavior. The team also examines sex differences so findings better reflect both men and women. Although the experiments are in animals, the goal is to identify brain circuit targets that could lead to new treatments or clinical trials for people who binge drink.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a history of binge drinking or early-stage problematic alcohol use would be the most relevant candidates for future clinical trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: People with long-standing severe alcohol dependence driven by factors other than stress-related brain circuits may not benefit from CRF-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new brain targets for medications or therapies to reduce binge drinking and prevent early alcohol use problems from progressing.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have repeatedly linked CRF signaling to excessive alcohol use, while CRF-targeting drugs in humans have shown limited or mixed results, so this work seeks clearer circuit-level targets.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thiele, Todd Eric — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Thiele, Todd Eric
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.