Understanding brain changes related to alcohol addiction
Official title: Illuminating Neurobiological Adaptations of Afferent Projections to the Lateral Habenula During Aversion-Resistant Alcohol Consumption
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11030760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how specific parts of the brain change when someone keeps drinking alcohol even when it causes problems, and it aims to help us understand addiction better so we can find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | February 5, 2024 |
| Project end | February 4, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $47,228 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AA031597-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030760 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder or those who exhibit compulsive drinking behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with alcohol consumption or those who are not experiencing addiction-related challenges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain brain regions, particularly the lateral habenula, adapt in response to alcohol consumption that continues despite negative consequences. By studying animal models, the research aims to uncover the neurobiological mechanisms behind compulsive drinking behaviors. The focus is on how the connections between the lateral habenula and other brain areas change when alcohol use becomes resistant to aversion. This could lead to a better understanding of addiction and potential new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain adaptations related to addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kermoade, Klaiten E — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Kermoade, Klaiten E
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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.