Investigating brain changes related to compulsive alcohol drinking
Official title: Synaptic changes in the medial prefrontal cortex in the development of compulsive alcohol drinking
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11019844 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol repeatedly affects the brain, especially a part that helps control drinking habits, to find out what happens in the brain that makes some people crave alcohol and have trouble thinking clearly, with the hope of discovering new ways to help those dealing with alcohol addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $315,900 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA028861-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019844 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol dependence or those who struggle with compulsive alcohol-seeking behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with alcohol use or those who are not seeking treatment for alcohol dependence may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how repeated alcohol exposure affects brain function, particularly in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which is crucial for controlling drinking behavior. By studying animal models, the researchers aim to understand the neural mechanisms that lead to compulsive alcohol-seeking and the cognitive deficits that accompany alcohol dependence. The approach includes advanced techniques like patch-clamp electrophysiology and optogenetic stimulation to observe changes in brain activity and connectivity. The goal is to identify specific brain circuits that could be targeted for new treatments to help individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve the ability of individuals to control their alcohol consumption and reduce relapse rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kroener, Sven — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Kroener, Sven
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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.