Understanding brain changes in alcohol use disorder
Striatal ensemble plasticity in alcohol use disorder
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 ID | NIH-11088219 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are seeking treatment or have a history of relapse.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or are not actively seeking treatment may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
College Station, United States
- 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
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.