Understanding how a specific receptor affects brain changes from alcohol use and withdrawal
Official title: GluD1 regulation of structural plasticity in chronic ethanol exposure and protracted withdrawal
Funded at Des Moines Univ Osteopathic Medical Ctr · NIH-10724599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific brain receptor called GluD1 affects the brain's response to long-term alcohol use and withdrawal, which could help find new ways to treat people struggling with alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Des Moines Univ Osteopathic Medical Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Des Moines, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $152,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AA031063-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10724599 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 who are undergoing withdrawal.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of alcohol use or are not experiencing withdrawal symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the GluD1 receptor in the brain's response to chronic alcohol exposure and the subsequent withdrawal period. By focusing on the basolateral amygdala, a critical area for alcohol's effects, the study aims to understand how GluD1 influences the structure and density of dendritic spines, which are essential for communication between neurons. The researchers will use an ethanol exposure model to explore these changes, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets for treating alcohol use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help prevent relapse in individuals recovering from alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting glutamate receptors can lead to significant advancements in understanding substance use disorders, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Des Moines Univ Osteopathic Medical Ctr
West Des Moines, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christian, Daniel Tommis — Des Moines Univ Osteopathic Medical Ctr
- Study coordinator: Christian, Daniel Tommis
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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.