Understanding Brain Control Over Alcohol Cravings
Loss of Inhibitory Control in Alcohol Seeking and Dependence: Role of Thalamostriatal Circuitry
This project explores how certain brain circuits lose their ability to stop alcohol-seeking behaviors in people with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11095847 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into how a specific brain area, called the posterior paraventricular thalamus (pPVT), and its connections to another area, the nucleus accumbens (NAc), normally help to put the brakes on behaviors like seeking alcohol. In people who develop alcohol dependence, it seems this "braking system" in the brain stops working as well. Our work aims to understand why this happens and how it contributes to the strong urge to seek alcohol. We hope to uncover new ways to help restore this control.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit individuals experiencing alcohol use disorder and strong alcohol cravings.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing alcohol dependence or maladaptive alcohol seeking would not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help individuals with alcohol use disorder regain control over their alcohol-seeking behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: Our lab has shown that activating this brain circuit can reduce alcohol-seeking in non-dependent mice, but its role in alcohol dependence and the loss of its inhibitory function is a novel focus.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rinker, Jennifer Anne — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Rinker, Jennifer Anne
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.