Understanding how alcohol affects brain signaling in a specific brain region
Official title: Investigating tonic and synaptic excitatory signaling in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis across models of alcohol exposure
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10931384 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how alcohol affects certain brain receptors that might help us understand why some people struggle with alcohol use, and it hopes to find new ways to help those who are dealing with this issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2023 |
| Project end | November 27, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,100 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AA031177-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931384 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 experiencing alcohol-related symptoms.
✕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 effects of alcohol exposure on specific receptors in the brain, particularly focusing on the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). It aims to understand how alcohol influences excitatory signaling through delta glutamate receptors, which have not been thoroughly studied in the context of alcohol use disorder. By examining changes in synaptic activity and receptor function, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to alcohol-related brain dysfunction. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how alcohol impacts brain signaling and potentially lead to new treatment approaches for alcohol use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the effects of alcohol on glutamatergic signaling have been studied, the specific focus on delta glutamate receptors in this context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conley, Sara Yi-Ling — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Conley, Sara Yi-Ling
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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.