How X chromosome differences may influence alcohol drinking in mice
Official title: Sex chromosome contributions to alcohol drinking behaviors
Funded at Miami University Oxford · NIH-11404942 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how sex chromosomes, especially the X chromosome, might affect alcohol drinking behavior and related brain signals in mice, with the goal of informing human understanding and future therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami University Oxford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $321,102 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA031463-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404942 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients or individuals who are affected by alcohol use disorders and interested in how genetics and sex differences may influence risk or treatment could benefit from future translational work.
✕Less likely to help
Current participants would not directly benefit from this mouse-based study, but results may inform human research later.
What this research studies
In this project, researchers study how having two X chromosomes versus one X (or none) could change how much alcohol mice choose to drink, and whether past alcohol exposure changes gene activity in the brain. They will test three aims: (1) compare alcohol consumption between XX and XY/XO mice, (2) see if alcohol history alters expression of genes that escape X inactivation in the brain and if this depends on gonadal status, and (3) identify Gprasp1 as a regulator of drinking through its effects on dopamine receptors. The work relies on preclinical animal models to understand potential mechanisms that could relate to human patterns of alcohol use. Findings may point to specific genes or pathways that influence risk and could guide future human studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could highlight sex chromosome-related mechanisms that contribute to alcohol use risks and point toward targeted approaches for prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies have shown sex- and chromosome-related influences on alcohol intake, supporting the plausibility of these findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Miami University Oxford
Oxford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Radke, Anna Kay — Miami University Oxford
- Study coordinator: Radke, Anna Kay
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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.