# Core 2: Rodent Behavioral Core

> **NIH NIH P50** · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $186,092

## Abstract

Project Summary – Core 2
Susceptibility to alcoholism has a clear genetic component. The VCU-ARC and its collaborators seeks to better
understand ethanol-responsive genes by studying cross-species genetic correlates. These efforts have
generated several ethanol-responsive gene candidates such as Clic4, GSK3B, and slo1. The Rodent
Behavioral Core (Core 2) will expand these efforts by studying the consequences of manipulating these (and
newly identified) candidate genes in a rodent behavioral battery that models specific aspects of acute ethanol
sensitivity, consumption, and seeking behavior. Core 2 will use conditional genetically modified mice or viral
transgene delivery to mouse or rat brain. Core 2 may also use environmental modulations to investigate gene x
environment interactions on ethanol response behaviors. The intent of Core 2 is to correlate expression levels
of an ethanol-responsive candidate gene to a particular behavioral outcome in order to gain a deeper
understanding of the genetic basis of alcoholism. The results of Core 2 will provide valuable insight into the
genetic basis of the complex behavioral and neurobiological adaptations that develop as a consequence of
either acute or repeated ethanol exposure. This new knowledge will aid in the development of interventions for
the prevention and/or treatment of ethanol abuse and alcoholism.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10429948
- **Project number:** 5P50AA022537-08
- **Recipient organization:** VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JENNIFER T WOLSTENHOLME
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $186,092
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2014-08-05 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10429948

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10429948, Core 2: Rodent Behavioral Core (5P50AA022537-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10429948. Licensed CC0.

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