National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 5R01AA030256-04

Disentangling the biological links between violence and alcohol use

This NIH-funded research project aims to study the biological links between violence and alcohol use by investigating gene-environment interactions and neurobiological mechanisms, potentially identifying new treatment targets.

Description

Alcohol misuse is often associated with pathological aggression, a recurrent pattern of disruptive and violent behavior, with a staggering socioeconomic impact. The animal studies proposed in this application will identify the mechanisms underlying the common causes of these two conditions, as well as their reciprocal interactions. Our results may lead to the identification of new targets for the treatment and prevention of alcohol-associated violence. The project focuses on the gene-environment interaction between low-activity alleles of the MAOA gene and child maltreatment, which influences neurodevelopmental pathways leading to increased alcohol use and aggression. The research aims to elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms, assess the impact of alcohol on aggression, and explore how social reactivity influences alcohol consumption.

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