Investigating brain neurons that influence alcohol consumption
Official title: Probing central amygdala neurotensin neurons in alcohol consumption
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10877062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in the central amygdala influence drinking habits and feelings of reward, with the goal of finding new ways to help people who struggle with alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $397,117 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA026363-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877062 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with alcohol use disorders who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorders or those who are not interested in pharmacological or behavioral therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific neurons in the central amygdala affect alcohol consumption and reward behaviors. By using advanced techniques like genetic manipulation and optogenetics, researchers aim to uncover the neural mechanisms that lead to excessive drinking. The study will explore how signaling within these neurons and their connections to other brain areas regulate alcohol intake and related behaviors. This knowledge could pave the way for new treatments for alcohol use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the neural circuits involved in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcelligott, Zoe Anastasia — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Mcelligott, Zoe Anastasia
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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.