How brain cells in the hippocampus may influence binge drinking
Official title: Project 1: The Reciprocal Relationship between Binge Drinking and Astrocytic Signaling
Funded at North Carolina Central University · NIH-11416832 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are exploring how brain support cells and inflammatory signals might be linked to excessive alcohol use and the urge to drink.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Central University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $194,778 |
| NIH project number | 5U54AA030451-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416832 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for alcohol use disorders, who may benefit from future therapies targeting brain inflammation and astrocyte function.
✕Less likely to help
People without alcohol use concerns or those not willing to participate in brain-behavior studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project examines how binge drinking affects astrocytes in the hippocampus and whether immune signals in the brain contribute to alcohol use. It uses innovative tools to selectively control astrocyte signaling in animal models and to understand how sex differences alter these brain responses. The study will look at how changes in glutamate and inflammatory pathways relate to drinking behavior and memory problems caused by alcohol. By manipulating astrocyte activity with engineered receptors, researchers aim to uncover potential new targets to reduce harmful alcohol consumption.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify brain pathways that lead to binge drinking and pave the way for therapies that modulate astrocyte signaling to reduce alcohol misuse.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research hints that glial and inflammatory processes influence alcohol-related behaviors, but this project explores causal roles with advanced tools.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina Central University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marshall, Simon Alexander — North Carolina Central University
- Study coordinator: Marshall, Simon Alexander
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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.