# Ethanol-Induced Reactive Astrocytes and Recovery

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · 2022 · $38,168

## Abstract

Project Summary
Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) frequently experience cognitive deficits, which are believed to be
related to alcohol-induced corticolimbic damage. Following abstinence from alcohol, individuals can recover
some function, but the mechanism behind this process is poorly understood. Astrocytes, glial cells which perform
numerous important homeostatic functions in the brain, exhibit phenotypic changes following exposure to ethanol
in animal models. Astrocyte reactivity is highly pathology specific, and many of the characteristics of this reactivity
have not been studied in detail using an animal model of alcohol dependence and neurodegeneration. Evidence
collected thus far indicates that this reactivity results in changes to astrocyte structure and precedes a burst in
neurogenesis seen in abstinence. Given the role of astrocytes in releasing neurotransmitters and growth factors,
these alcohol-induced reactive astrocytes might play an important role in recovery from AUD. This project will
utilize two aims to first describe the phenotype of these astrocytes, and then probe a possible mechanism for
their role in recovery. In both aims, rats will be exposed to ethanol, in a model which mimics the intoxication,
dependence, and neurodegeneration experienced by humans with AUD. In Aim 1, a multi-faceted approach will
be utilized to describe astrocyte morphology, proteins of interest that may be involved in recovery, and gene
expression. In Aim 2, a pharmacologic approach will be taken to modulate glutamate signaling in astrocytes, to
understand how this facet of phenotypic change may affect neurogenesis and recovery from AUD. Training:
This project will significantly advance the training goals of the applicant by providing instruction in advanced
scientific techniques and professional development to help the applicant achieve his career goal of becoming an
independent researcher. Training in data science classes, accompanied by faculty mentorship, will assist with
analyzing large data sets needed to complete this project. Professional development training will include
undergraduate mentoring, presentation of science both internally and at conferences, research conduct training,
and career development opportunities.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10607563
- **Project number:** 1F31AA030720-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- **Principal Investigator:** Steven Guerin
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $38,168
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-30 → 2024-09-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10607563

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10607563, Ethanol-Induced Reactive Astrocytes and Recovery (1F31AA030720-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-08-11 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10607563. Licensed CC0.

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