Understanding how disruptions in brain rhythms affect alcohol use disorder
Official title: Role of Cell Type-Specific Molecular Rhythm Disruption in Alcohol Use Disorder
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10725280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with our body’s natural clock might be linked to drinking too much alcohol, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how these issues in the brain could help us find better ways to treat alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $440,543 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AA031074-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10725280 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who may experience circadian rhythm disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or significant circadian rhythm issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between circadian rhythm disturbances and alcohol use disorder (AUD). It aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms in the brain that contribute to these disruptions and how they relate to increased alcohol consumption. By analyzing gene expression patterns in postmortem brain samples, the study seeks to identify specific molecular rhythms that may be altered in individuals with AUD. This innovative approach could provide insights into how these disruptions exacerbate alcohol use and inform potential treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating alcohol use disorder by targeting the underlying molecular mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the relationship between circadian rhythms and alcohol use is recognized, this specific molecular approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in human subjects.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seney, Marianne L — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Seney, Marianne L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Functional Connectivity-Guided TMS for Alcohol Use Disorder
A new approach uses targeted brain stimulation to help people with alcohol use disorder stay abstinent longer by focusing treatment on specific brain circuits.
-
Alcohol Use Disorder and Suicidal Behavior: Finding Why They Occur Together
A study using Swedish population data to understand why alcohol use disorder relates to suicidal thoughts and acts, with the goal of improving risk prediction and prevention.
-
Non-hallucinogenic psilocybin derivative for alcohol use disorder
A new, safer psilocybin-like compound is being studied to help people with alcohol use disorder.
-
Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
-
Mu and Kappa Opioid Balance in Alcohol Use Disorder
A study using brain imaging to understand how the brain’s opioid system changes during early sobriety in adults with alcohol use disorder.
-
Telehealth support to prevent suicide in people with alcohol use disorder in Tanzania
A telehealth counseling program is being adapted to help reduce suicide risk for people with alcohol use disorder in emergency departments in Tanzania.
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.