Understanding how specific brain neurons influence binge drinking behavior
Official title: Regulation of binge-like ethanol intake by arcuate POMC projection neurons
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11087556 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific brain cells react to alcohol to help us understand why people find drinking rewarding, with the hope of finding new ways to help those who struggle with alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $346,943 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030061-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087556 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with alcohol use disorders or those who engage in binge drinking behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of certain neurons in the brain that are involved in the rewarding effects of alcohol consumption. By studying how these neurons respond to ethanol, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for alcohol use disorders. The approach includes advanced techniques like electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry to observe neuronal activity and responses to alcohol. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could inform future therapies for reducing alcohol intake and cravings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting the opioid system can effectively reduce alcohol intake, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olive, M. Foster — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Olive, M. Foster
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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.