New hippocampus nerve cells linked to alcohol withdrawal seizures
Activity and connectivity of hippocampal newborn neurons underlie alcohol withdrawal-associated syndromes
This project looks at whether newly made hippocampus nerve cells change activity and connections during alcohol withdrawal seizures in people with alcohol dependence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11098739 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers will study how newly formed neurons in a part of the brain called the hippocampus behave after long-term alcohol exposure and during withdrawal. Using lab models, they will map which brain cells connect to these new neurons and measure how those connections and activity change when withdrawal causes seizures. They will also use tools that can selectively turn these new neurons on or off to see if that changes seizure risk. The goal is to identify specific cell types or connections that could become targets for future therapies to reduce withdrawal-related seizures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with alcohol dependence who have had withdrawal seizures or who are planning a supervised detox would be the main group this research aims to help.
Not a fit: People whose seizures are caused by non–alcohol-related epilepsy or who do not have alcohol dependence are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new brain-targeted ways to prevent or lessen seizures and other severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies, including published work by these investigators, suggest newborn hippocampal neurons influence withdrawal seizures, but translating those findings into human treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suh, Hoonkyo — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Suh, Hoonkyo
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.