How alcohol affects brain pathways that control wakefulness
Ethanol modulation of a NE-astrocyte-DA arousal pathway
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11134519
This project explores how alcohol affects brain signals that control sleep and wakefulness, especially for people with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11134519 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) experience sleep problems, which can make the condition worse and are hard to treat. While alcohol initially helps people fall asleep, it often leads to fragmented sleep and insomnia later on. This project looks into a newly discovered brain pathway involving norepinephrine and dopamine that controls wakefulness. Researchers believe alcohol might activate this pathway, which could explain why it can paradoxically keep people awake. We aim to understand how both short-term and long-term alcohol use affects this brain pathway and contributes to sleep changes in AUD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is relevant for individuals experiencing sleep disturbances related to alcohol use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing sleep disturbances or alcohol use disorder would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new ways to help people with alcohol use disorder manage their sleep problems.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on recent discoveries by the research team about a novel brain pathway involved in arousal.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER — WORCESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WINDER, DANNY G. — UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- Study coordinator: WINDER, DANNY G.
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.