Understanding brain changes in alcohol use disorder
Official title: Striatal ensemble plasticity in alcohol use disorder
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11088219 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking alcohol affects certain brain circuits and how these changes might lead to cravings for alcohol again, helping us understand better ways to support people with alcohol use disorder in staying sober.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $470,598 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030293-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088219 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are seeking treatment or have a history of relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or are not actively seeking treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's striatal circuits change in response to alcohol use and how these changes contribute to relapse in individuals with alcohol use disorder. By examining specific neurons in the dorsomedial striatum, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind alcohol-seeking behaviors and the effectiveness of extinction training in reducing these behaviors. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze synaptic plasticity and neuronal activity, providing insights into how the brain adapts to alcohol consumption and abstinence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for preventing relapse in individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding synaptic changes related to addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Jun — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wang, Jun
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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.