Understanding how brain circuits control alcohol-seeking behavior
Official title: Investigating Ensemble Activity Dynamics of a Thalamo-Striatal Circuit Regulating Alcohol Seeking
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11071094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells affect the urge to drink alcohol, especially in people with alcohol use disorder, to help find new ways to treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $46,609 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AA032197-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or are not at risk for it may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain circuits involved in alcohol use disorder (AUD), focusing on how certain neurons in the thalamus and striatum regulate the desire to seek alcohol. By using advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy and optogenetics, the study aims to identify specific neuronal populations that normally suppress alcohol-seeking behavior but may become disinhibited in individuals with AUD. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms of disinhibition that contribute to alcohol dependence, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for reducing alcohol-seeking behavior in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in understanding neuronal circuits related to reward-seeking behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into alcohol dependence.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ward, Amy L — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Ward, Amy 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.