Marquette University professors receive $1.7 million grant for neuroscience research on substance use disorder in women
John Mantsch.
MILWAUKEE — Dr. John Mantsch, chair and professor of biomedical sciences, and Dr. Matthew Hearing, assistant professor of biomedical sciences in the College of Health Sciences at Marquette University, received a $1.7 million R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health for their neuroscientific study on substance use disorder in women.
The project, titled “Estrogen regulation of the prefrontal cortex and drug seeking,” aims to identify the role biological sex – specifically the hormone estrogen – plays in disordered substance use and relapse.
The pair identified and will further study a novel mechanism in the brain through which estrogen acutely promotes drug seeking by affecting the prefrontal cortex in those with previous substance abuse disorders.
“Substance use disorders are among society’s most pressing challenges, yet effective interventions are lacking,” Mantsch said. “Considering the chronically relapsing nature of substance abuse disorders, understanding the factors that contribute to relapse risk is a critical research question.”
Matthew Hearing.
“We know that on average, woman experience greater difficulty abstaining and resume substance use for longer periods of time following relapse, and that women are particularly susceptible to relapse during periods of stress,” Hearing said. “While we know that this vulnerability is driven in part by sex hormones, this research could really help us understand how hormonally mediated reproductive and stress brain states intersect to elevate relapse risk.”
“The cutting-edge research of Drs. Mantsch and Hearing continues to address some of our most important societal challenges – mental health disorders – as well as raise the neuroscience research profile of the college and university” said Dr. William E. Cullinan, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “We’re pleased that the National Institutes of Health continues to recognize and fund this valuable addiction research project.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Marquette University
New Marquette Law School Poll national survey finds approval of U.S. Supreme Court edges upward, but 55% disapprove of the Court’s work
Oct 17th, 2024 by Marquette UniversityLarge majorities of both Republicans and Democrats favor strict ethics code, fixed terms for justices; majority of those polled say justices decide cases based more on politics than law
New Marquette Law School Poll national survey finds presidential race extremely tight, enthusiasm for voting high among both Democrats and Republicans but low among independents
Oct 16th, 2024 by Marquette UniversityPlease note: Complete Poll results and methodology information can be found online at law.marquette.edu/poll
