How alcohol affects brain cells and their gene regulation
Official title: The impact of alcohol and its metabolites on the epigenome of astrocytes
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11161218 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how alcohol affects brain cells called astrocytes and how these changes might influence behaviors related to alcohol use disorder, helping us understand more about the biology behind alcohol-related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,538 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AA032407-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161218 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder or those who have been exposed to alcohol.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of alcohol and its metabolites on astrocytes, a type of brain cell that plays a crucial role in supporting neurons. The study focuses on understanding how alcohol exposure alters the gene regulation mechanisms in these cells through epigenetic changes. By examining the role of a specific enzyme, acetyl-CoA synthetase 2, the research aims to uncover how alcohol metabolism impacts gene expression in astrocytes, which could influence behaviors related to alcohol use disorder. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the biological mechanisms underlying alcohol-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating alcohol use disorder by targeting the underlying cellular mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of neurons in alcohol use disorder has been extensively studied, the investigation of astrocytes and their epigenetic regulation in this context is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Serena J — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Chen, Serena J
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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.