How early life exposure to opioids affects brain development
Official title: The impact of early life opioid exposure on the molecular and functional trajectories of septal cell types
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10931502 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to opioids during pregnancy might affect the brain development of babies, using animal models to see how certain brain cells change and what that could mean for their behavior and thinking later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $786,715 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059388-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931502 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include children who were exposed to opioids during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not exposed to opioids in utero or who are adults without a history of early life opioid exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of opioid exposure during pregnancy on the brain development of offspring. By using animal models, the study aims to understand how specific brain cell types in the septal complex are altered due to early opioid exposure and withdrawal. The researchers will employ advanced cellular and molecular techniques to map these changes and their potential long-term impacts on behavior and cognition. This work seeks to fill critical gaps in knowledge regarding the neural mechanisms behind cognitive and behavioral risks associated with prenatal opioid exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for cognitive and behavioral issues in children exposed to opioids in utero.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that early life exposure to various substances can lead to significant neurodevelopmental changes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harwell, Corey C — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Harwell, Corey C
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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.