Stress-related brain circuits that drive alcohol relapse
Neurophysiology Component - Roberto
This work looks at how stress-related brain circuits make people more likely to drink again after alcohol withdrawal, focusing on connections between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala.
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-11362006 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research uses rat models of alcohol dependence to mimic the withdrawal-related negative emotions that can trigger relapse. Scientists manipulate and record activity in specific brain pathways—especially neurons projecting from the infralimbic prefrontal cortex to the central amygdala—using tools like chemogenetics and targeted drug infusions. They focus on stress-related signaling chemicals (CRF, N/OFQ, and orexin) to see which ones increase or decrease stress-driven alcohol-seeking. The goal is to identify circuit and molecular targets that could guide new treatments to reduce negative feelings and prevent relapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with alcohol use disorder who experience protracted withdrawal symptoms, strong negative mood during abstinence, or stress-triggered relapse would be the most relevant population.
Not a fit: People without alcohol problems or those whose drinking is driven primarily by non-stress cues or by severe medical/psychiatric comorbidities may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or brain-based therapies to reduce withdrawal-related negative emotions and lower the risk of relapse in alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal work has shown that manipulating IL→CeA circuits and blocking CRF or orexin signaling can reduce stress-induced alcohol-seeking in rats, but translation to safe, effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberto, Marisa — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Roberto, Marisa
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.