Understanding how brain changes affect alcohol drinking behavior
Official title: Compulsive Alcohol Drinking and Cortical Extracellular Matrix
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10675458 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking too much alcohol affects a part of the brain that helps with decision-making about drinking, and it aims to understand why some people keep drinking even when it’s harmful, which could lead to new ways to help those struggling with alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $348,171 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA027231-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10675458 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder or those who engage in risky drinking behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol use disorder may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how excessive alcohol consumption alters brain structures, specifically focusing on the insular cortex, which plays a crucial role in decision-making related to drinking. By studying changes in specialized structures called perineuronal nets surrounding certain brain cells, the research aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that lead to compulsive drinking despite negative consequences. The approach involves using animal models to observe cellular and molecular changes after binge-like alcohol consumption and assessing the impact of these changes on drinking behavior. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could inform new treatment strategies for alcohol use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of alcohol use disorder, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lasek, Amy Wolven — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Lasek, Amy Wolven
Related research
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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.