Tuesday, February 17, 2026 2/17/2026

Sex differences in somatostatin cell dynamics and exploratory behavior after adolescent binge drinking in mice

Award Number: F32AA031396
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 03/01/2024
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2027

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Sex differences in somatostatin cell dynamics and exploratory behavior after adolescent binge drinking in mice - ABSTRACT Adolescent alcohol use is a national health problem. It is associated with negative health outcomes, such as addiction and cognitive dysfunction, but relatively little is known about the mechanisms underlying sex differences in adolescent binge drinking and changes in cortical circuits involved in brain health and psychiatric conditions. In our mouse model of adolescent alcohol consumption (Drinking in the Dark, or DID), we have observed sex-dependent changes in exploratory behaviors that are associated with dysregulation of somatostatin (SST) neuronal signaling in the prelimbic cortex. Here I propose to investigate 1) the contributions of L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) as a mechanism through which SST cells are altered due to drinking and 2) the temporal relationship between altered SST cell activity and observed behavioral deficits. Male and female transgenic mice with fluorescently tagged SST cells with undergo DID prior to brain collection. Functional changes in LTCCs on SST cells will be assessed using patch-clamp electrophysiology, and LTCCs as a druggable targets will be explored with behavioral pharmacology. I will then use freely moving single-photon neuroimaging during homecage and behavioral test conditions following DID. Using this technique, we will observe the precise temporal relationship between SST cell activity and the expression of exploratory behaviors in vivo. This research will be guided by my mentorship team, which has extensive experience in electrophysiology and in vivo imaging techniques, as well as experience in postdoctoral mentorship. Thus, conducting the proposed research will simultaneously advance our understanding of the neurobiology impacted by adolescent alcohol exposure and provide me with valuable training by qualified mentors, preparing me for an academic career in alcohol research.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $75,052 )
2025	2025	THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY	201 OLD MAIN	UNIVERSITY PARK	PA	16802	CENTRE	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	001	2	6/5/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$1,224
2025	2025	THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY	201 OLD MAIN	UNIVERSITY PARK	PA	16802	CENTRE	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	000	2	4/24/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$73,828
														Subtotal = $75,052

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $73,408 )
2024	2024	THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY	201 OLD MAIN	UNIVERSITY PARK	PA	16802	CENTRE	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	002	1	5/1/2024	NEW	$4,724
2024	2024	THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY	201 OLD MAIN	UNIVERSITY PARK	PA	16802	CENTRE	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	000	1	2/5/2024	NEW	$68,684
2024	2024	THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY	201 OLD MAIN	UNIVERSITY PARK	PA	16802	CENTRE	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	001	1	2/5/2024	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $73,408

Grand Total All Awards = $148,460

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Sex differences in somatostatin cell dynamics and exploratory behavior after adolescent binge drinking in mice

Award Number: F32AA031396

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 03/01/2024

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2027

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer