Inhibitory Corticostriatal Circuits and Binge Drinking
Official title: Inhibitory corticostriatal circuit mechanisms underlying binge alcohol drinking
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11426848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how specific brain circuits inhibit or promote binge drinking, with the goal of identifying targets to help people who struggle with alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $381,363 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA033319-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11426848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults with alcohol use disorder or risky drinking patterns who may benefit from circuit-targeted therapies in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without AUD or risky drinking patterns may not benefit from circuit-targeted approaches explored in this grant.
What this research studies
Researchers are exploring how alcohol changes communication in a brain circuit that controls goal-directed actions and habits. They use advanced techniques to map and manipulate these circuits in ways that relate to binge drinking. The study focuses on how the Anterior Insular Cortex and Dorsolateral Striatum connect and how this affects drinking behavior. If successful, findings could guide future therapies that modulate these circuits to reduce excessive alcohol intake.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A better understanding of brain circuits could lead to new treatments to reduce binge drinking and alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests circuit-specific manipulations can alter alcohol-related behaviors, supporting a translational path.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munoz, Braulio — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Munoz, Braulio
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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.