How alcohol rewires brain circuits that create drinking memories
Notch-dependent microcircuit regulation of alcohol reward memory
Researchers use fruit flies to pinpoint how a brain signaling pathway called Notch helps form memories that make alcohol feel rewarding, with potential relevance for people who drink heavily or have alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137591 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses the fruit fly to map where and when genes switch on in the brain after alcohol exposure so researchers can trace how memories tied to alcohol form. An unbiased genetic approach led investigators to the Notch signaling pathway, and they manipulate that pathway with precise timing and location to see how it changes tiny brain circuits. The team focuses on circuits that link sensory cues to alcohol's intoxicating effects to understand learned attraction to alcohol. By revealing the molecular steps that store alcohol reward memories, the work aims to point to new targets for treatments that reduce craving and relapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this project does not enroll people, its results would be most relevant to individuals with problematic drinking or diagnosed alcohol use disorder.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment, clinical trials, or direct participation will not receive direct benefit from this lab-based fruit fly research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal molecular targets that lead to new treatments to reduce craving, prevent relapse, or guide therapies for alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and genetic studies have identified molecular contributors to alcohol-related behaviors, and applying Notch signaling to alcohol reward memory builds on but expands earlier findings.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaun, Karla R. — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Kaun, Karla R.
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.