Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Official title: Identifying Novel Brain Proteins Contributing to PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder
Funded at VA Northern California Health Care Sys · NIH-11578051 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Northern California Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mather, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005686-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11578051 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with PTSD and/or AUD or those at risk due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Results may not translate into immediate treatments for all patients and may require further development.
What this research studies
This project aims to identify specific brain proteins that increase the risk for PTSD, AUD, or both, with a focus on genetic and molecular data. It builds on large genetic studies to pinpoint genes that influence these disorders and uses advanced analyses to separate causal signals from nearby genetic effects. The work may point to new protein targets for drug development to improve treatments for patients with PTSD and AUD. The research involves human genetic data and brain biology, connected to potential future therapies for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new drug targets that help alleviate PTSD and AUD symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous GWAS and gene-expression studies have identified potential targets, but pinpointing causal brain proteins remains challenging and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Northern California Health Care Sys
Mather, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wingo, Aliza Pham — VA Northern California Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Wingo, Aliza Pham
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Genetic links between PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder in teens and adults
This grant studies how genetics and life experiences like childhood trauma shape the risk of PTSD and alcohol problems across adolescence into adulthood.
-
Prediction of alcohol problems and PTSD after trauma in teens
Teens who experience acute trauma are studied to see if certain biological signals can predict who might develop Alcohol Use Disorder or PTSD.
-
Cognitive Processing Therapy plus Relapse Prevention for people with alcohol problems and PTSD
This trial offers a combined Cognitive Processing Therapy and relapse-prevention program for adults with alcohol use disorder and PTSD to reduce drinking and PTSD symptoms.
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Finding brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the brain might be linked to PTSD and alcohol use problems in U.S. Veterans, with the hope of finding new treatments that can help those dealing with these challenges.
-
Genetic links between PTSD and alcohol problems from adolescence to adulthood
This research looks at how genes and childhood trauma together relate to PTSD and alcohol problems from the teen years into adulthood.
-
Using biomarkers to personalize treatment for alcohol use disorder and PTSD
This study is looking at how certain biological markers can help customize treatments for people dealing with both alcohol use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, and it will test how well the medication topiramate works for them while considering their genetic factors.
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.