Investigating how binge drinking affects brain cells and behavior
The Reciprocal Relationship between Binge Drinking and Astrocytic Signaling
This study is looking at how binge drinking affects certain brain cells and whether changing how these cells work can help reduce binge drinking and improve memory, especially since it might affect men and women differently.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10894183 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between binge drinking and the signaling of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, to understand how excessive alcohol consumption impacts brain function and behavior. The study aims to identify whether targeting astrocytes and the neuroimmune system can help reduce binge drinking and its associated health disparities. It will examine how alcohol influences astrocyte activation in the hippocampus and whether sex differences affect these responses. Additionally, the research will investigate if modifying astrocytic signaling can reverse the negative effects of alcohol on memory and drinking behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who engage in binge drinking and may be experiencing cognitive deficits related to alcohol consumption.
Not a fit: Patients who do not engage in binge drinking or have no history of alcohol-related issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for reducing binge drinking and improving cognitive function in individuals affected by alcohol use.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting neuroimmune responses to address alcohol dependence, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marshall, Simon Alexander — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Marshall, Simon Alexander
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 below.