How cannabinoids affect brain development in children
Official title: Cannabinoid Signaling Interactions During Axon Development in situ
Funded at Touro University of California · NIH-10654243 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cannabinoids from cannabis might affect brain development in babies who were exposed to them before birth, using a frog model to understand how these substances influence the way brain connections form during important growth stages.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Touro University of California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Vallejo, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $364,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R15DA058203-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10654243 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who use cannabis and their children, particularly those exposed to cannabinoids during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to cannabinoids during pregnancy or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of cannabinoids, found in cannabis, on the development of the brain, particularly focusing on how these substances may influence the formation of neuronal circuits in children exposed to them in utero. Using a frog model that shares genetic similarities with humans, the study aims to explore the mechanisms by which cannabinoid receptors affect brain structure and function during critical developmental stages. The researchers will analyze how these receptors interact with other molecular factors to regulate the growth and pathfinding of axons, which are essential for proper brain connectivity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of the risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy and inform guidelines to protect children's cognitive and behavioral health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in animal models have shown significant insights into cannabinoid signaling, suggesting that this research could build on established findings, although the specific focus on human-like neuronal circuit formation remains novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Touro University of California
Vallejo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elul, Tamira — Touro University of California
- Study coordinator: Elul, Tamira
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Fructose and liver health in obesity: how gut sugar handles affect NAFLD risk
A study in adults with and without obesity will explore how fructose is processed in the body and how that processing may protect or harm the liver.
-
Orofacial cleft care: modeling jaw mechanics to improve treatment outcomes
A patient-facing look at using computer models to understand how cleft-related jaw bone shapes affect healing and long-term dental care.
-
How the body processes fructose after meals
This study is looking at how your body processes fructose, especially how it affects areas beyond the liver, and it's for people interested in understanding how eating foods with fructose might impact their heart health and diabetes risk.
-
Investigating the effects of fructose on diabetes and metabolism
This study is looking at how eating fructose, a type of sugar found in many foods, affects blood sugar and fat production, especially for people with type 2 diabetes, to help create better dietary advice for managing their health.
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.