Investigating how a specific RNA affects alcohol dependence and withdrawal
Official title: The role of lncRNA Gas5 in Glucocorticoid-Mediated Ethanol Dependence Phenotypes
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10916294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific molecule in the brain, called Gas5, affects how our bodies respond to stress hormones when dealing with alcohol use disorder, and it aims to find out if there are differences between men and women in this process, which could help us discover new ways to treat alcohol dependence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AA031168-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing alcohol dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol dependence or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of a long non-coding RNA called Gas5 in the context of alcohol use disorder (AUD). It aims to understand how Gas5 influences glucocorticoid receptor activity, which is crucial for the development of alcohol dependence and withdrawal symptoms. By examining brain regions associated with AUD, particularly in relation to sex differences, the study will utilize advanced techniques like CRISPR to manipulate gene expression and assess behavioral outcomes in response to alcohol. This research could provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying AUD and potential new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for alcohol dependence that target specific molecular pathways.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of non-coding RNAs in alcohol dependence is a relatively novel area, preliminary studies have shown promising results in related research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rice, Rachel — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Rice, Rachel
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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.