How a father's stress affects the brain development of his children

Paternal stress epigenetic programming of offspring neurodevelopment

['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-10851029

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

Phase['FUNDING_R37']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10851029 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are fathers who have experienced significant stress or other environmental challenges and have children aged 0-20 years.

Not a fit: Patients who are not fathers or do not have children may not receive direct benefits from this research.

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 performed: 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

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.