Investigating how brainstem norepinephrine affects binge drinking and taste aversion.
Official title: The role of brainstem norepinephrine in binge alcohol drinking and taste aversion
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11042245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain affect binge drinking and how the body reacts to alcohol, with the goal of finding new ways to help people who struggle with drinking too much.
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 | April 15, 2018 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $349,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA025809-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042245 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who engage in binge drinking and may be at risk for alcohol dependence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not engage in binge drinking or have no history of alcohol use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the neuronal mechanisms that influence binge drinking behavior and the aversive effects of alcohol. By focusing on specific brainstem regions that produce norepinephrine, the study aims to understand how these mechanisms can be targeted to develop new treatments for alcohol use disorders. The approach involves examining the relationship between binge drinking patterns and the brain's response to alcohol, particularly how aversive reactions can deter excessive consumption. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to novel pharmaceutical interventions for alcohol dependence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help reduce binge drinking and lower the risk of developing alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the neurobiology of alcohol use disorders, 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: Thiele, Todd Eric — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Thiele, Todd Eric
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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.