Mapping brain network changes during alcohol withdrawal
Functional Connectomics Component - George
This project maps how brain cells and networks change during alcohol withdrawal to help find better treatments for people with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11362022 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will use high-resolution, whole-brain imaging of individual brain cells in animal models to see which neural networks change during abstinence and withdrawal. They will test FDA-approved medications and ARC-related experimental compounds that reduce addiction-like behaviors to observe how those treatments alter brain network patterns. The project also uses targeted circuit manipulations, including the lateral hypothalamus–infralimbic–amygdala pathway, to pinpoint specific subnetworks linked to reduced cravings. Advanced computational network analysis will look for changes in modularity and amygdala activity that correlate with better outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with alcohol use disorder who are in or entering abstinence or withdrawal and who might enroll in future treatment trials.
Not a fit: People without alcohol dependence or anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment should not expect direct benefit from this preclinical laboratory project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to medications or brain-circuit targets that restore healthier brain network function and reduce cravings and relapse during withdrawal.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work has shown that targeting the extended amygdala and some medications can reduce alcohol-related behaviors, but whole-brain single-cell network mapping at this scale is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: George, Olivier — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: George, Olivier
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.