Node of Ranvier in Alcohol Abuse
Official title: Node of Ranvier Environment in Alcohol Abuse
Funded at University of Mississippi Med Ctr · NIH-11139779 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how alcohol affects brain wiring by looking at specific nerve fibers and the gaps between them in people and rats.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jackson, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $409,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AA031788-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139779 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with alcohol use disorder or who have a history of heavy alcohol consumption, plus appropriate animal model counterparts.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without AUD or with no exposure to alcohol-related brain changes may not benefit from this specific inquiry.
What this research studies
This project examines how heavy drinking might change the tiny gaps (nodes of Ranvier) along nerve fibers and the surrounding environment in the brain. Using human data from individuals with alcohol use disorders and parallel rat experiments, researchers will analyze changes in the morphology and molecules that support fast nerve signaling. The goal is to see whether alcohol-induced alterations at these nodes contribute to disrupted brain connectivity seen in AUDs. Findings could point to new targets for therapies aimed at stabilizing brain communication in people affected by alcohol abuse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify brain-wiring targets to improve connectivity and cognitive function in people with alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in depression and stress suggests NR-related changes can occur; this study tests whether similar patterns occur in AUDs.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Mississippi Med Ctr
Jackson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miguel-Hidalgo, Jose Javier — University of Mississippi Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Miguel-Hidalgo, Jose Javier
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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.