Investigating how specific brain receptors affect alcohol relapse and drinking behavior
Official title: Effects of Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons GABA-B Receptor Deletion on Cue-Evoked Relapse and Aversion-Resistant Drinking
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10995566 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how removing certain receptors in brain cells affects drinking habits, especially when it comes to cravings and relapses, to help find better ways to treat people struggling with alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 28, 2024 |
| Project end | August 27, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,350 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AA031877-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995566 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 who may be at risk for relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of alcohol use disorder or those who are not at risk for relapse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the deletion of GABA-B receptors in dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area influences alcohol-related behaviors, particularly in the context of relapse and compulsive drinking. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR, the study aims to identify the role of these receptors in modifying responses to environmental cues that trigger alcohol consumption. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the biological mechanisms underlying alcohol use disorder, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder by targeting specific brain mechanisms involved in relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of GABA-B receptors in alcohol-related behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aguirre, Jonathan Israel — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Aguirre, Jonathan Israel
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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.