How alcohol changes brain immune signals via non-coding RNAs
3/11 Epigenetic Regulation of Neuroimmune Pathways
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11295397
This project looks at how long non-coding RNAs alter brain immune signaling after alcohol exposure to better understand alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11295397 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are working to find how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) change gene activity in brain immune cells after alcohol exposure. They use lab-grown cells and animal models exposed to ethanol, then edit or perturb lncRNAs with CRISPR and read out effects using high-throughput single-cell methods like Perturb-Seq. The team will also map chromatin interactions and other epigenetic changes to see how RNA-guided changes persist over time. The work is part of a multi-site neuroimmune consortium combining genomic and behavioral data to link molecular changes to alcohol-related behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of heavy drinking or a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder would be the most relevant group for future clinical or sample-donation opportunities related to this work.
Not a fit: Those without alcohol problems or anyone seeking immediate clinical care are unlikely to receive direct or immediate benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets or biomarkers that lead to better treatments for alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research supports a role for lncRNAs in gene regulation and neuroimmune signaling, but applying CRISPR-Perturb-Seq to alcohol-related lncRNAs is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FARRIS, SEAN P — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: FARRIS, SEAN P
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.