Investigating how brain regions influence alcohol-seeking behavior
Official title: Assessing the contributions of the ventral subiculum to the nucleus accumbens shell projection in a novel ethanol self-administration choice paradigm
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11069499 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain influence the urge to seek out alcohol, which could help find new ways to treat people struggling with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AA032154-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069499 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder or those who engage in problematic drinking behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the brain's role in alcohol-seeking behavior by examining the connections between specific brain regions, particularly the ventral subiculum and the nucleus accumbens. Using a novel experimental setup, the study aims to differentiate between the desire to seek alcohol and the actual consumption of it. By understanding these mechanisms, researchers hope to identify potential therapeutic targets for treating alcohol use disorder. The study involves advanced techniques such as chemogenetic inhibition to assess the effects on alcohol-seeking behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding alcohol-seeking behavior through similar experimental paradigms, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ortelli, Olivia — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ortelli, Olivia
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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.