How brain acid sensing links alcohol problems and panic attacks
Acid sensing associated mechanisms in AUD and comorbid panic
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11258848
Researchers are looking at whether a brain acid-sensor called TDAG8 helps explain why people with alcohol use disorder often have panic symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11258848 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my point of view, the team is studying how disruptions in the body's acid–base balance after drinking might trigger both alcohol withdrawal and panic symptoms. They focus on a molecule called TDAG8 found in brain immune cells and will use laboratory models to see how alcohol changes TDAG8 activity and brain inflammation. The work will link those molecular changes to behaviors related to drinking, withdrawal, and panic. The goal is to find biological clues that could point to new treatment targets for people with both conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with alcohol use disorder, especially those who experience severe withdrawal or co-occurring panic attacks, would be the most relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: People without alcohol problems or without panic symptoms, and those seeking immediate clinical treatment rather than research participation, are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new biological targets that might lead to treatments reducing withdrawal severity and panic symptoms in people with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work links acid–base imbalance and acid-sensing to panic and to worse withdrawal, but targeting TDAG8 is a new and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MCMURRAY, KATHERINE MILES JOHNSTON — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: MCMURRAY, KATHERINE MILES JOHNSTON
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.
Conditions: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome