Understanding how a specific protein affects alcohol sensitivity.
Official title: Identification of the protein:protein interactions of a non-nuclear NFKB that modulates ethanol sensitivity.
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10825577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called DifB to see how it affects the brain's response to alcohol, which could help us understand alcohol use disorders better and find new ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $227,844 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA030833-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10825577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who may be experiencing issues related to alcohol use or sensitivity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called DifB, which is involved in how the brain responds to alcohol. By studying this protein's interactions in the brain, researchers aim to uncover how it influences sensitivity to ethanol, which is the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages. The study uses advanced techniques to analyze how DifB operates at synapses, the connections between neurons, rather than just in the nucleus of cells. This could lead to new insights into alcohol use disorders and potential treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neuroimmune signaling in alcohol sensitivity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atkinson, Nigel S — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Atkinson, Nigel S
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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.