Circular RNAs and immune sensitization after prenatal alcohol exposure
C5-Circular RNA's and immune sensitization
This project looks at whether changes in circular RNAs shift immune responses in people exposed to alcohol before birth, especially during adolescence and after minor stressors.
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 ID | NIH-11086022 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I would be part of work that combines animal experiments with clinical data to see how prenatal alcohol exposure changes circular RNAs in the brain and blood. Researchers measure these circular RNAs and related immune markers after a small "second hit" stress to find patterns that may explain cognitive or behavioral problems that appear in adolescence. They compare results between males and females and look for the same blood or spinal cord signals seen in animals in adolescents with FASD. The aim is to find markers or pathways that could guide future tests or treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents or young adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or known prenatal alcohol exposure who can provide clinical information and biological samples and can visit the study site.
Not a fit: People without prenatal alcohol exposure, those not willing to provide samples, or those unable to come to the study site are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to blood or brain RNA and immune markers that help explain, predict, or guide treatment for cognitive and behavioral problems in people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal studies and preliminary human data show altered circRNAs and immune signals after prenatal alcohol exposure, but translating those findings into clinical tests or treatments remains early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- 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 below.