Understanding how the brain's nucleus accumbens affects alcohol reward and drinking behavior, focusing on sex differences.
Official title: Role of nucleus accumbens core in ethanol reward and binge-like drinking: Focus on sex as a biological variable
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11081720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain affects binge drinking and alcohol use disorder, especially how these behaviors might differ between males and females, to help create better treatments for people dealing with alcohol issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | May 9, 2023 |
| Project end | May 8, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AA030908-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081720 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with alcohol use disorder, particularly those who may respond differently based on their biological sex.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not interested in alcohol-related treatments may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the nucleus accumbens core in binge-like drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD), particularly examining how biological sex influences these behaviors. By utilizing rodent models, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that drive alcohol reward and consumption, with a focus on sex as a biological variable. The findings could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for individuals struggling with alcohol use. The research employs various methodologies, including deep-brain stimulation and lesioning techniques, to assess the impact of the nucleus accumbens on alcohol-related behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and tailored treatments for individuals with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the role of the nucleus accumbens in alcohol-related behaviors, but this study's focus on sex differences is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chan, Amy Elizabeth — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Chan, Amy Elizabeth
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.