Understanding Brain Genes in Alcohol Dependence
Gene Expression in the Human Alcoholic Brain
This project explores how genes in the brain change in people with alcohol dependence to better understand the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11051223 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research uses advanced technology called single-cell RNA sequencing to examine gene activity in individual brain cells. Researchers compare brain samples from people with alcohol dependence to those from mice exposed to alcohol, looking for shared changes. This detailed approach helps pinpoint specific gene alterations in brain cells linked to alcohol dependence and increased drinking. The ultimate goal is to identify new targets for developing medications that could help reduce alcohol consumption.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on understanding the biology of alcohol dependence, particularly in adults aged 21 and older.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct intervention will not receive benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new medications that help people reduce their alcohol consumption and manage alcohol dependence.
How similar studies have performed: While large-scale DNA and RNA sequencing has advanced addiction neurobiology, this project uses a more sensitive single-cell approach to find convergent genes in human and mouse brains, making it a novel and detailed approach.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mayfield, R. Dayne — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Mayfield, R. Dayne
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.