Ethanol and brain signaling: finding ways to protect developing brains
Official title: Ethanol-induced disruption of kinase signaling pathways in brain development
Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-11401917 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in young brains explores how alcohol exposure during pregnancy may disrupt key signaling pathways and how we might protect fetal brain development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Upstate Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $366,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029114-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401917 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for direct participation; findings may inform future strategies to protect developing brains.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project does not involve patient enrollment or direct treatment.
What this research studies
This project looks at how acute alcohol exposure affects a familiar brain signaling protein, Src, in embryonic cortical neurons, and how this disruption could lead to problems with brain wiring. Researchers will examine changes in protein phosphorylation and the Reelin-Dab1 pathway, which helps shape brain layers and connections. Through experiments in developing neurons, they aim to uncover molecular targets that could guide neuroprotective strategies for fetuses at risk of FASD. The work seeks to connect cellular changes to broader developmental outcomes in the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify molecules to target for protecting fetal brain development from alcohol-related damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown alcohol can alter Src signaling and Dab1 phosphorylation, but the full mechanism in fetal brain development remains to be clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olson, Eric Christopher — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Olson, Eric Christopher
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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.