Multi-omic insights into alcohol use disorder with and without smoking
Official title: Multi-omic Data Integration and Translational Insights for Alcohol Use Disorder with and Without Cigarette Smoking
Funded at Research Triangle Institute · NIH-11402206 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team will study how DNA methylation and RNA patterns in brain tissue differ in people with alcohol use disorder, comparing those who smoke to those who don’t, to understand biology and potential drug targets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $558,559 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA031968-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402206 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with alcohol use disorder, with or without cigarette smoking, who contribute brain tissue or related data.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without AUD or those not contributing brain samples or related data may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project will analyze brain samples from adults to identify molecular changes linked to alcohol dependence, and will compare effects when cigarette smoking co-occurs. By looking at DNA methylation, gene expression, and genetic variants in key brain regions, the study aims to map neurobiological differences tied to AUD and CS. The team hopes to identify genes that respond to existing drugs, which could guide repurposing efforts to treat AUD, especially when smoking is involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could reveal brain biological targets and potential drug repurposing options to improve treatment for people with AUD, including those who smoke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked epigenetic and transcriptional changes to AUD, but integrating methylation, expression, and drug-target data in human brain tissues is still advancing.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Julie Danielle — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: White, Julie Danielle
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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.