Investigating how adolescent alcohol exposure affects brain development
Official title: Role of perineuronal nets in adolescent alcohol-induced deficits
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11075911 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how binge drinking during teenage years affects brain development and thinking skills, using animal models to see how alcohol changes brain structure and behavior, which could help us understand the long-term effects of drinking during adolescence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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 | April 17, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $184,656 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA031415-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075911 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have experienced binge drinking or alcohol exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not engaged in any alcohol consumption or those outside the adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of binge drinking during adolescence on cognitive performance and brain development. Using animal models, the study examines how intermittent exposure to alcohol alters brain structures and functions, particularly focusing on changes in neural connectivity and behavior. The researchers aim to understand the role of perineuronal nets in these processes, which may help identify the underlying mechanisms of alcohol's effects on the developing brain. By analyzing behavioral tasks and brain imaging, the study seeks to provide insights into the long-term consequences of adolescent alcohol use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for cognitive deficits associated with adolescent alcohol use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant effects of adolescent alcohol exposure on brain development, indicating that this approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robinson, Donita L — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Robinson, Donita L
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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.