# Vanderbilt AUD Research and Education Center (VAREC)

> **NIH NIH P60** · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $1,829,783

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The central thesis of the Vanderbilt AUD Research and Education Center (VAREC) is that effective treatment
requires recognition of, and deep understanding of the diverse symptoms, etiologies, and disease progressions
that underlie what is unitarily referred to as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). We propose a reverse translational
“precision neuroscience” approach. We will dissect AUD endophenotypes to generate human circuit construct
validated animal models that we will utilize to gain mechanistic insights and test therapeutic targets. VAREC
will consist of 4 research components (Projects1-4) supported by Administrative and Research cores, as well
as a Dissemination core. Project 1 (Blackford) expands our initial human imaging studies into a deep sampling
approach to analyze BNST and network connectivity in AUD across the abstinence timespan, exploring
individual differences in these networks with AUD relevant domains such as anxiety and depression. Project 2
(Winder) will build off an already active collaboration with Project 1 to perform reverse translational mouse
studies to test emergent hypotheses on insula-BNST and hippocampal-BNST connectivity in mouse models of
AUD, and to explore potential time-dependent therapeutic approaches during abstinence. Project 2 will also
perform specific broad-scale mouse brain imaging studies to define network nodes for Project 1 to explore in
years 4-5. Project 3 (Calipari) will explore whether alterations in negative affect observed in Project 1 and
Project 2 lead directly to functional enhancement of negative reinforcement-oriented circuitries and behavior.
Finally, Project 4 (Siciliano) will engage in deep phenotyping of individual differences in mouse behaviors
correlated with compulsive drinking behavior, working across the projects to identify populations of precise
behaviors that are predictive of compulsive ethanol seeking. Projects 2 and 4 explore therapeutic targets
through analysis of endocannabinoid and dynorphin signaling. The project interactions will be coordinated by
an Administrative core. A Research core will provide mice that have undergone one of two voluntary alcohol
exposure models, Chronic Drinking-Forced Abstinence (CDFA) or Structured Tracking of Alcohol
Reinforcement (STAR). It will also provide research infrastructure and computational support. Through a
Dissemination core, VAREC will play an important role in public health by activities aimed at destigmatizing
AUD treatment seeking and increasing prevention through novel near-peer targeting of adolescents. This core
will also allow VAREC to serve as a resource to the alcohol research community to facilitate mainstream
incorporation of cutting-edge tools into the field.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10739565
- **Project number:** 1P60AA031124-01
- **Recipient organization:** VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Erin Calipari
- **Activity code:** P60 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,829,783
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-03-15 → 2029-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10739565

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10739565, Vanderbilt AUD Research and Education Center (VAREC) (1P60AA031124-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10739565. Licensed CC0.

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