How the brain peptide somatostatin in the frontal cortex affects binge drinking
Prelimbic somatostatin peptide signaling in binge ethanol consumption
['FUNDING_R01'] · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE · NIH-11326728
This work looks at whether a natural brain peptide called somatostatin can change circuits linked to binge drinking to help people with alcohol use problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11326728 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will use laboratory models to watch and measure brain cell activity tied to binge-like drinking and to see how somatostatin changes that activity. They will record electrical signals from neurons, map the brain circuits connected to the prelimbic (frontal) cortex, and use fiber photometry to track circuit activity during drinking-related behaviors. Experiments will compare normal conditions with the effects of repeated binge alcohol exposure and test what happens when somatostatin is applied to the prelimbic cortex. The goal is to identify specific pathways that could become targets for future treatments to reduce binge drinking.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have a history of binge drinking or alcohol use disorder would be the likely candidates for treatments that emerge from this work.
Not a fit: People whose alcohol problems are driven mainly by social, economic, or non-neural medical issues may not directly benefit from circuit-based treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new brain targets and peptide-based strategies to prevent or reduce binge drinking.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have linked somatostatin-expressing neurons to mood and addiction behaviors, but translating these findings into human treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES
- PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE — UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CROWLEY, NICOLE ASHLEY — PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE
- Study coordinator: CROWLEY, NICOLE ASHLEY
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: Affective Disorders