How birth timing and serotonin shape early frontal brain development
Synchronous network activity in the maturing prefrontal cortex: mechanistic impact of birth timing and serotonin
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11323187
This research looks at how being born early and serotonin levels change early brain wiring that affects thinking and behavior in children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11323187 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work uses newborn mouse models to learn how the timing of birth and serotonin signaling set up synchronized activity in the developing prefrontal cortex. Researchers will record brain electrical activity, use light- and chemistry-based tools to turn specific neurons on or off, take high-resolution images of developing cells, and run behavioral tests to link circuit changes to thinking and attention. They will also try changing postnatal brain activity and serotonin to see if these adjustments can restore normal circuits and behavior in mice born early. Although the experiments are in animals, the goal is to identify early circuit steps that could underlie cognitive differences seen after premature birth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant to this work would be infants and children born prematurely or those with developmental or cognitive difficulties linked to early birth.
Not a fit: Those without a history of preterm birth or whose cognitive issues arise from unrelated causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets or timing for therapies to help preterm infants develop better cognitive and behavioral function.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies show birth timing and serotonin influence sensory map development, but extending these findings to prefrontal circuits and testing rescue approaches is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RIBIC, ADEMA — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: RIBIC, ADEMA
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.