Brain protein could cure alcoholism

Scientists have discovered a natural protein in the human brain that has the potential to suppress binge drinking and lead to a cure for alcoholism.

Scientists have discovered a naturally-occurring protein in the human brain that could cure alcoholism

Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine (UNC) conducted the study that was published by online journal Nature Neuroscience.

The team, led by Thomas Kash, PhD, assistant professor in the departments of pharmacology and psychology and a member of UNC’s Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, used a series of genetic and pharmalogical approached to identify how a compound in the brain called Neuropeptide Y (NPY) could suppress harmful alcohol-related behaviour.

“Specifically, we found that NPY acted in a part of the brain known as the extended amygdala (or bed nucleus of the stria terminalis) that we know is linked to both stress and reward,” explained Kash.

“This anti-drinking effect was due to increasing inhibition (the brakes) on a specific population of cells that produce a ‘pro-drinking’ molecule called corticotropin releasing factor (CRF).”

Previous research showed NPY can influence a person’s desire to drink alcohol.

An experiment using mice who did not have NPY receptors discovered they were less likely to consume alcohol, compared to those who did have the receptors.

“When we mimicked the actions of NPY using engineered proteins, we were also able to suppress binge alcohol drinking in mice,” said Kash.

“Finally, we found that this anti-drinking NPY system is altered by long-term alcohol drinking in multiple species, suggesting that this may be either a marker or treatment for alcohol abuse.”

Furthermore, the researchers believe that the findings indicate that potentially restoring NPY may also be able to prevent certain people from becoming alcohol dependent.

In November 2014, a pill that suppress the urge to consume alcohol became available on prescription on the NHS in the UK.