How alcohol affects brain chemistry related to anxiety and stress
Official title: Alcohol-induced epigenetic reprogramming of PPAR-α affects allopregnanolone biosynthesis
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10930029 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking alcohol affects the levels of a brain chemical that helps manage anxiety and stress, using rats to see how long-term drinking changes the way this chemical is made, with the hope of finding new ways to help people struggling with alcohol use and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $359,775 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030292-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930029 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with alcohol use disorder or those experiencing anxiety related to alcohol consumption.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or do not have anxiety disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how alcohol consumption alters the production of a neurosteroid called allopregnanolone, which plays a crucial role in regulating anxiety and stress responses. Using a rodent model, the study examines the effects of chronic alcohol exposure on the expression of enzymes responsible for allopregnanolone biosynthesis and explores the underlying epigenetic changes. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for treating alcohol use disorder and related anxiety disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence and anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neurosteroids in anxiety and alcohol use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pinna, Graziano — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Pinna, Graziano
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.