How estrogen affects binge drinking through serotonin neurons
Official title: Doral raphe 5-HT neurons mediating estrogenic regulation of binge drinking
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11091635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the hormone estrogen affects binge drinking, especially in women, by exploring its impact on certain brain cells that help control drinking behavior, with the hope of finding better treatments for alcohol use issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 17, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $554,585 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030880-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals who struggle with binge drinking or alcohol use disorders, especially women.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with alcohol consumption or those who are not affected by hormonal changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the hormone estrogen and binge drinking behavior, particularly focusing on how estrogen influences serotonin neurons in the brain. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which estrogen affects alcohol intake, especially in females, by examining specific receptors in serotonin neurons. Researchers will conduct experiments to determine the role of these receptors in regulating binge drinking and how they respond differently based on sex. The findings could provide insights into targeted treatments for alcohol use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating alcohol use disorders, particularly in women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of estrogen in alcohol consumption, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Pingwen — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Xu, Pingwen
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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.