Understanding how circadian rhythms affect alcohol-related organ damage
Official title: Center for Circadian Rhythms and Alcohol-Induced Tissue Damage
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-11014799 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our body clocks might affect the risk of organ damage in people who struggle with alcohol use, to help understand why some folks get hurt more than others, and it’s also here to support researchers who want to learn more about this important topic.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $555,200 |
| NIH project number | 2R24AA026801-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014799 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with alcohol use disorders who may be at risk for organ damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have an alcohol use disorder or those without any risk factors for organ damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between circadian rhythms and the risk of organ damage in individuals with alcohol use disorders. It aims to identify why some people develop significant organ damage while others do not, focusing on the role of disrupted circadian homeostasis. The project will provide resources and support for researchers studying these interactions, including training for junior investigators. By combining expertise in circadian biology and alcohol research, the center seeks to advance knowledge in this critical area.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for organ damage in individuals with alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of circadian rhythms on various health conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keshavarzian, Ali — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Keshavarzian, Ali
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding Fragile X Syndrome: How it progresses and affects daily life
A long-term study using existing Fragile X data to map how the condition changes over time in children and young adults, including how autism, race, and location influence outcomes.
-
Understanding how brain resilience and multiple brain pathologies influence aging and Alzheimer's disease
A long-term study follows older adults to learn how resilience to brain changes helps reduce dementia risk and what biological factors are linked to better cognitive aging.
-
Mexican Teachers Cohort Study: Genetics and Cognitive Function
A large study using genetic data from Mexican teachers to discover genetic factors linked to memory and thinking in older adults.
-
Genetics and Cognitive Function in Mexican Teachers Cohort for Alzheimer’s Dementia
This grant funds a large study to find genetic factors linked to memory and thinking in Mexican teachers, with the goal of improving understanding of Alzheimer’s-related dementia.
-
Menstrual cups for economically vulnerable women to improve vaginal health and reduce sexually transmitted infections
A single-arm study will test whether using menstrual cups helps economically vulnerable women reduce bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections by promoting safer menstrual practices.
-
Gut-Brain Axis in Parkinson’s Disease: biomarkers and procedures to track progression
A patient-focused program to study how gut health and the brain interact in Parkinson’s disease using biomarkers and clinical procedures.
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.