Understanding how disruptions in brain rhythms affect alcohol use disorder
Role of Cell Type-Specific Molecular Rhythm Disruption in Alcohol Use Disorder
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 ID | NIH-10725280 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who may experience circadian rhythm disturbances.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or significant circadian rhythm issues may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Pittsburgh, United States
- 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
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 below.