How teenage binge drinking can cause lasting brain changes
Neuromolecular consequences of adolescent binge drinking
This project looks at how heavy drinking during the teen years changes brain stress receptors and cell processes that may lead to long-term problems for people who binge drank as adolescents.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125768 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work explains in plain terms how binge drinking in adolescence can change molecules that control the brain's stress response. The team focuses on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a key protein that helps direct long-term changes in gene activity and protein levels. They use laboratory models (cell and animal experiments) and molecular tests to track immediate alcohol-triggered stress signals and the longer-lasting molecular and behavioral consequences. The researchers will also explore whether these changes contribute to effects seen later in life and potentially across generations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who drank heavily or binged during their teen years, and adults who experienced adolescent binge drinking (and possibly their children), would be the most relevant candidates for related studies or sample donation.
Not a fit: People with no history of adolescent binge drinking or whose symptoms come from unrelated causes may not receive direct benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify molecular targets to prevent or treat lasting brain and behavioral problems caused by adolescent binge drinking.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and human studies have documented lasting brain and behavioral effects of teen binge drinking, but targeting GR modifications as a mechanism is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Maywood, United States
- Loyola University Chicago — Maywood, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pak, Toni R. — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Pak, Toni 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.