LSU Vet School Researcher Receives $2 Million NIH Grant to Explore Novel Treatments for Alcohol and Substance-Use Disorders
Ethan Anderson, a translational neuroscientist at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, has been awarded a five-year, $2 million R01 grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) to investigate new treatment strategies for alcohol-use and other substance-use disorders. The funding supports preclinical research aimed at understanding how lifestyle, environment, and genetic mechanisms interact to influence addiction.
Studying Addiction at the Cellular Level
Anderson’s research focuses on the nucleus accumbens, a critical brain region within the limbic system that processes reward, motivation, and stress responses. By studying how alcohol and other substances manipulate dopamine signaling in this area, the lab hopes to uncover new targets for therapies that could reduce addictive behaviors.
Translating Findings to Human Treatments
While the research is currently in mouse models, the goal is to identify mechanisms that could eventually translate into preclinical testing and clinical trials for humans. Anderson emphasized that the approach may have broad applications for multiple substance-use disorders, including alcohol, cannabis, and opioids, by modulating the limbic system and reward pathways.
The lab uses advanced techniques, including viral vectors — modified viruses that deliver genetic material to specific brain regions — similar to those employed in some COVID-19 vaccines. “Brain site-specific gene therapy is already being explored for conditions like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, but it hasn’t yet been applied to addiction or behavioral disorders,” Anderson said.
Impact of the Grant
The $2 million R01 grant provides $400,000 annually, with a portion allocated to support LSU operations and researchers, while the majority funds the preclinical addiction studies. Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, Anderson noted that successful outcomes could lead to novel therapies with significant clinical and economic impact.
A Step Toward Personalized Addiction Medicine
By studying how environmental and genetic factors influence the brain’s response to substances, this research aims to move addiction treatment toward personalized approaches. As addiction continues to impact millions of people, insights from Anderson’s lab may help shape future interventions and improve outcomes for those struggling with substance-use disorders.
This work highlights the role of veterinary and translational neuroscience research in tackling complex human health challenges, bridging preclinical discoveries with potential clinical applications.
