Wake Forest Translational Alcohol Research Center (WF-TARC)

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WAKE FOREST TRANSLATIONAL ALCOHOL RESEARCH CENTER (WF-TARC) OVERALL SUMMARY The central goal of the Wake Forest Translational Alcohol Research Center (WF-TARC) is to employ integrated, translational animal and human subjects research to study behavioral correlates and neurobiological substrates associated with vulnerability and resilience to alcohol use disorder (AUD). This Center builds on a highly productive translational alcohol research program at WFSM that led to the awarding of this P50 grant in 2017. The WF-TARC is comprised of four research projects and two cores. An administrative core provides the leadership and infrastructure needed to ensure integration across all research projects. This core also provides biostatistical support and promotes interactions and communication between this Center and the many other addiction-related research and educational programs at Wake Forest School of Medicine (WFSM). A pilot project core serves to advance the goals and objectives of the WF-TARC. This core funds projects each year to attract new investigators to bring their talent and expertise to the study of AUD vulnerability. The unifying research focus of the WF-TARC is to leverage the unique strengths and advantages of animal and human subjects research to study behavioral correlates of AUD vulnerability and identify neurobiological adaptations that contribute to this heightened risk of developing this disorder. These studies employ cutting- edge, multidisciplinary experimental approaches spanning molecular, cellular, circuit, and whole-brain analyses. Importantly, studies in each project are also seeking to improve AUD treatment outcomes. The well- integrated conceptual framework and research design facilitates backward and forward interactions across all projects, facilitating the rapid translation of therapeutic discoveries from animals to humans. The WF-TARC leverages a well-established, highly collaborative translational alcohol research program at WFSM and benefits from a strong and growing institutional focus on alcohol and substance use disorders. This Center will continue to enhance the outstanding educational environment at our institution, providing unique training opportunities for the students and postdoctoral who will become the next generation of translational alcohol researchers. Finally, the innovative research supported by the WF-TARC may lead to improved evidence-based therapies for individuals who are at greatest risk of developing AUD, individuals who are particularly ill-served by current AUD treatment options.