How alcohol affects brain cells and causes damage
Subcellular-targeted CYP2E1 and alcohol in the brain
This work explores how alcohol is processed inside brain cells and how long-term drinking changes this process, leading to brain damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109559 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We want to understand how alcohol is broken down into a harmful substance called acetaldehyde within different parts of brain cells, specifically in the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. We believe that in people who drink heavily over time, more of a specific enzyme, CYP2E1, moves into the mitochondria of brain cells, leading to more acetaldehyde production there. This increased acetaldehyde can then cause damage and stress to these vital cell parts. Our goal is to uncover these changes to find new ways to protect the brain from alcohol-related harm.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for individuals interested in the basic science behind alcohol's effects on the brain, particularly those concerned with alcohol-related neurological damage.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical interventions or direct treatment for alcohol abuse would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse the neurological damage caused by chronic alcohol abuse.
How similar studies have performed: While the overall role of CYP2E1 in alcohol metabolism is known, its specific subcellular regulation and consequences in the brain during chronic alcohol use are not well-understood, making this a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hartman, Jessica Helene — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Hartman, Jessica Helene
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.