How a father's stress affects the brain development of his children
Official title: Paternal stress epigenetic programming of offspring neurodevelopment
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10851029 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a father's stress can affect his children's brain development by changing the genetic information in his sperm, and it aims to help us understand how these changes might lead to developmental issues in kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $689,078 |
| NIH project number | 5R37MH108286-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-10851029 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are fathers who have experienced significant stress or other environmental challenges and have children aged 0-20 years.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not fathers or do not have children may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a father's experiences, particularly stress, can influence the neurodevelopment of his children. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which paternal stress alters genetic programming in sperm, potentially leading to neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. The study employs advanced techniques to analyze specific microRNAs in sperm that may play a role in this process. By exploring these connections, the research aims to uncover how environmental factors can impact future generations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into preventing neurodevelopmental disorders in children by addressing paternal health and stress management.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding how maternal factors affect offspring development, but the specific focus on paternal influences is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bale, Tracy L — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Bale, Tracy L
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.