Investigating how microglial cells affect alcohol intake in mice
5/11 Microglial MyD88 in Mouse Models of Excessive Alcohol Intake
This study looks at how certain brain cells react to drinking alcohol over time, using mice to understand how these changes might affect behavior and brain function related to alcohol addiction, which could help find new ways to treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11026451 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of microglial cells in the brain and how they respond to repeated alcohol exposure. By using mouse models, the study examines the activation of these immune cells and their impact on brain function and behavior related to alcohol use disorder. The researchers focus on specific signaling pathways and cellular interactions that may contribute to increased alcohol consumption and dependence. The findings could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying addiction and potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder or those who consume alcohol excessively.
Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol 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 treatments for alcohol use disorder by targeting the neuroinflammatory processes involved in addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting neuroinflammatory pathways can be effective in addressing addiction, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bilbo, Staci D — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Bilbo, Staci D
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.