How the serotonin 5-HT7 receptor may drive alcohol craving and relapse
Serotonin-7 receptors and Alcohol-seeking Behaviors
['FUNDING_R01'] · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · NIH-11103320
This project looks at whether changing activity of the 5-HT7 serotonin receptor can reduce cue-driven alcohol craving and relapse for people with alcohol dependence.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11103320 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I have struggled with alcohol relapse, this research looks at a brain receptor called 5-HT7 that may control cue-triggered craving. The team uses lab experiments (mostly in animal models) to change 5-HT7 activity in a key brain area, the nucleus accumbens shell, and watches how cue- and context-driven alcohol-seeking changes over time during abstinence. The researchers build on strong preliminary data showing that turning 5-HT7 activity up or down can alter alcohol-seeking behavior. Results could point toward new drugs that target 5-HT7 to help prevent relapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with alcohol use disorder who experience strong cue- or context-triggered cravings and repeated relapses.
Not a fit: People without alcohol use disorder or whose relapse is unrelated to cue-triggered craving are unlikely to benefit directly from this work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications that reduce cue-driven craving and lower relapse rates in people with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Serotonin systems have been linked to alcohol use in prior animal and some human studies, but targeting the 5-HT7 receptor specifically is mainly at the preclinical stage and not yet proven in people.
Where this research is happening
INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAUSER, SHEKETHA RENAY — INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- Study coordinator: HAUSER, SHEKETHA RENAY
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: Alzheimer disease dementia