Understanding how alcohol affects stress-related brain cells
Official title: Probing Ethanol Dysregulation of Hypothalamic CRH neurons
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11076302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking alcohol affects the brain's stress response, focusing on specific brain cells that help manage stress, to better understand alcohol use disorder and find ways to improve treatment for those who struggle with it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 | April 18, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $383,948 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA031450-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder or those experiencing issues related to alcohol consumption.
✕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 neurobiological mechanisms behind alcohol use disorder (AUD), focusing on how alcohol consumption impacts stress systems in the brain. It examines the role of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the hypothalamus, which are crucial for the body's stress response. By studying how these neurons behave during alcohol exposure and withdrawal, the research aims to uncover the underlying causes of AUD and its effects on stress-related behaviors. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for alcohol use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of alcohol use disorder, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kash, Thomas L. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Kash, Thomas L.
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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.