New research has identified a surprising connection between binge drinking and the brain’s suppression of this behavior. According to a study published in Nature Neuroscience, fewer than 500 neurons are responsible for suppressing binge drinking. The findings provide valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying alcohol dependency.
Dr. Gilles E. Martin, associate professor of neurobiology at UMass Chan, led the research team that used advanced technologies such as fiber photometry, optogenetics, and single cell transcriptomics to pinpoint the specific neuronal circuit involved in suppressing binge drinking. The study shows that a small group of co-activated neurons, or neural ensembles, function together to create a distinct pattern of activity in response to binge drinking events.
The researchers used a special mouse model to identify these neurons, which emit a fluorescent protein when activated. By turning the neurons on and off using optogenetic techniques, the scientists were able to observe potential behavioral changes linked to specific brain cells. The findings suggest that misfiring in this mechanism may be involved in alcohol dependence, making it a potential target for therapeutic interventions.
While there are billions of neurons in the brain, Dr. Martin believes that as few as two or three dozen neurons might be responsible for suppressing binge drinking. Identifying these specific neurons could be a critical step toward developing targeted therapeutics. The study marks an exciting breakthrough in understanding how specific behaviors, like binge drinking, are controlled by the brain’s neural circuits.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-neurons-suppression-binge.html