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Microglia Involvement in Alcohol-induced Adult Neurogenesis and Recovery

Award Number: F31AA032736
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: 10/22/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 10/21/2027

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Microglia Involvement in Alcohol-induced Adult Neurogenesis and Recovery - Project Summary Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a growing public health problem that can profoundly affect an individual's quality of life. The heavy alcohol use associated with AUD can have a negative impact on the brain, leading to brain damage and behavioral problems. However, research shows that individuals who abstain from alcohol can recover from some of this damage. One brain region particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of alcohol but capable of recovery during abstinence is the hippocampus. This region is unique because it is one of the few areas in the adult brain where new neurons are generated through a process called neurogenesis. Research from our laboratory suggests that an increase in adult neurogenesis may help reverse some of the damage and behavioral problems caused by alcohol. However, we do not fully understand the mechanisms behind adult neurogenesis following heavy alcohol use. Compelling evidence points in the direction of the brain-resident immune cell, microglia. These cells are important for keeping the brain healthy, regulating key processes, and responding to injury. In a healthy brain, microglia can regulate adult neurogenesis by releasing signaling molecules or by clearing away unnecessary cells. During heavy alcohol use, microglia can become reactive, causing inflammation that can block adult neurogenesis. Interestingly, research from our laboratory shows that microglia change their behavior and become more protective and reparative during abstinence after heavy alcohol use. Other studies have shown that microglia presenting a similar behavior can promote neurogenesis in different diseases. This makes microglia a key focus for understanding the mechanisms behind adult neurogenesis and recovery from AUD. In both aims, rats will be exposed to ethanol using a model that mimics intoxication, dependence, and brain damage experienced by humans with AUD. Aim 1 will use a pharmacological approach to remove microglia and determine if these cells are driving the increase in adult neurogenesis during abstinence. Aim 2 will use the same pharmacological approach to evaluate whether microglia play a role in hippocampal recovery during abstinence. The goal of this research is to explore if microglia, the brain’s resident immune cells, contribute to recovery after heavy alcohol use, with the hope of identifying new treatment strategies for alcohol use disorder.


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: 2026 ( Subtotal = $41,753 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN	110 INNER CAMPUS DR	AUSTIN	TX	78712	TRAVIS	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	000	1	4/28/2026	NEW	$41,753
														Subtotal = $41,753

Grand Total All Awards = $41,753

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Microglia Involvement in Alcohol-induced Adult Neurogenesis and Recovery

Award Number: F31AA032736

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: 10/22/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 10/21/2027

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