C5-Circular RNAs and Immune Sensitization in FASD
Official title: C5-Circular RNA's and immune sensitization
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11392551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how circular RNAs in the brain may connect prenatal alcohol exposure to later immune-related brain changes and cognitive struggles, especially during adolescence and early adulthood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2014 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $207,042 |
| NIH project number | 5P50AA022534-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with FASD or those at risk due to prenatal alcohol exposure, including adolescents and young adults, may be eligible for future related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Participants without FASD or without relevant exposure history may not benefit from this specific line of investigation.
What this research studies
This project looks at how brain circRNAs may influence immune signaling after prenatal alcohol exposure, potentially contributing to cognitive difficulties seen in FASD. It combines animal studies with clinical data from adolescents to understand how a second stressor could trigger worsened brain inflammation. The work builds on prior findings that circRNAs regulate gene expression and may affect TLR4 immune pathways in the CNS. By studying both rodent models and human subjects, the team aims to identify mechanisms that could become targets for future interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal early biomarkers and mechanisms linking prenatal alcohol exposure to later brain immune changes, guiding better prevention and treatment strategies for individuals with FASD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests circRNAs play a role in brain development and immune signaling, with some translational potential but still early in clinical translation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milligan, Erin Damita — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Milligan, Erin Damita
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.