How long-term alcohol changes messages sent by brain support cells
Chronic alcohol effects on the biogenesis, distribution, and RNA content of astrocytic exosomes
Looks at how long-term heavy drinking changes tiny particle messages from brain support cells that could affect people with alcohol-related brain injury or alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174449 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will study how long-term alcohol exposure changes tiny particles called exosomes that astrocytes (brain support cells) release, focusing on how those particles are made, where they travel in the brain, and what RNA messages they carry. They will use lab models to track exosome production and distribution and analyze the RNA cargo of these particles. Findings will be compared to signals found in brain-derived exosomes in blood to see if alcohol-related changes could be detected in patients. The work aims to connect basic cell biology to potential blood-based markers of alcohol-related brain damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of heavy drinking or diagnosed alcohol use disorder and signs of alcohol-related brain injury would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without a history of significant alcohol use or with brain injury from other causes are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to blood tests and new targets to protect brain cells from alcohol-related damage.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that brain-derived exosomes in blood can carry signals of brain injury or disease, but applying this specifically to astrocyte exosomes in alcohol-related damage is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Yong — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Kim, Yong
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.