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Mechanistic and Functional Analysis of Interpeduncular Nucleus Circuitry following Adolescent Alcohol Exposure

Award Number: F31AA032991
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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Mechanistic and Functional Analysis of Interpeduncular Nucleus Circuitry following Adolescent Alcohol Exposure - Abstract Summary Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic, relapsing condition that lacks effective treatment options. A major risk factor for developing an AUD is heavy alcohol use during adolescence and so understanding its impact on the adolescent brain is prerequisite to developing effective interventions. Adolescents are especially vulnerable to long-term neurobiological consequences of alcohol exposure, yet the underlying circuit mechanisms that drive persistent drinking behavior remain unclear. Emerging evidence points to the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN)—a midline brain structure receiving input from the medial habenula and projecting to serotonergic and dopaminergic targets—as a critical yet underexplored node in regulating alcohol withdrawal, negative affect, and alcohol use. This project will investigate the role of the IPN function in alcohol withdrawal and seeking. The central hypothesis is that adolescent alcohol exposure induces synaptic and intrinsic changes in IPN neurons that disrupt aversive signaling, increase negative affect, and promote alcohol self-administration. This hypothesis will be tested in two aims: (1) to characterize how chronic intermittent ethanol vapor exposure during adolescence alters IPN neuronal activity and synaptic activity; and (2) to determine the behavioral relevance of IPN efferent projections in alcohol withdrawal and reward-seeking behaviors using circuit-specific chemogenetic interrogation. These experiments will integrate whole-cell electrophysiology, viral circuit tracing, and operant self-administration models to uncover how the IPN modulates alcohol-related behaviors. Findings from this work will define a novel circuit-based mechanism for compulsive-like drinking and identify potential targets for AUD intervention. This project will also provide comprehensive training in electrophysiology, systems neuroscience, circuit interrogation, and addiction behavior, supporting the candidate’s development as an independent investigator in the field of 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: 2026 ( Subtotal = $49,331 )
2026	2026	LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER NEW ORLEANS	433 BOLIVAR ST RM 619	NEW ORLEANS	LA	70112	ORLEANS	USA	Alcohol Research Programs	000	1	4/28/2026	NEW	$49,331
														Subtotal = $49,331

Grand Total All Awards = $49,331

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Mechanistic and Functional Analysis of Interpeduncular Nucleus Circuitry following Adolescent Alcohol Exposure

Award Number: F31AA032991

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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