Kappa-opioid receptor changes in alcohol use disorder
Oprk1-regulated neurocircuitry and phenotypes of alcohol use disorder
This work looks at how changes in the brain's kappa-opioid system may drive continued heavy drinking, withdrawal symptoms, and mood problems in people with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11088207 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers will study how long-term alcohol exposure alters the kappa-opioid receptor (Oprk1) and the brain circuits that control mood and drinking behavior. They will map those neurocircuit changes and link them to behaviors like compulsive drinking and negative mood during withdrawal, using laboratory models and brain-circuit techniques. The goal is to pinpoint how Oprk1-driven changes perpetuate dependence so new treatments can target those specific brain pathways. Findings may guide future drugs or interventions that reduce craving, withdrawal-driven relapse, or negative affect in people with alcohol problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with alcohol use disorder—particularly those who experience withdrawal, mood problems, or repeated relapse—would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without alcohol dependence, casual drinkers, or those whose symptoms are caused mainly by other medical or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for medications or therapies that reduce heavy drinking, withdrawal symptoms, and relapse in people with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Animal and preclinical studies have previously linked kappa-opioid signaling to stress-driven drinking and shown promising results, but successful translation to clinical treatments has been limited so far.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- University of South Florida — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walker, Brendan M — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Walker, Brendan M
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.