Identifying blood markers for alcohol use disorder
Official title: RNA biomarkers for alcohol use disorder
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10930135 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol affects genes in the brain and if those changes can be seen in blood tests, with the hope of finding a simple way to spot people at risk for alcohol use disorder and help improve their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $126,309 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AA030821-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930135 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at risk for or currently experiencing alcohol use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in gene expression in the brain due to alcohol use can be reflected in blood samples. By analyzing blood genomic profiles, the study aims to develop a non-invasive method to identify individuals at risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and to improve diagnosis and treatment options. The approach involves using advanced sequencing technologies to compare gene expression patterns in blood and brain samples from a mouse model of alcohol dependence. The ultimate goal is to create a reliable way to monitor treatment responses and disease progression in patients with AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and less invasive methods for diagnosing and treating alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using blood biomarkers to predict treatment responses in other conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in alcohol use disorder.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferguson, Laura Brockway — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Ferguson, Laura Brockway
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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.