How fathers' alcohol use affects birth defects in children

HERITABLE, EPIGENETIC EFFECTS OF PATERNAL ALCOHOL USE ON FASD PHENOTYPES

NIH-funded research Texas A&m University · NIH-10810848

This study looks at how drinking alcohol before conception might affect fathers and their future children, specifically focusing on how it could lead to growth and health problems in kids with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTexas A&m University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Station, United States)
Project IDNIH-10810848 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of paternal alcohol consumption on the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) in children. By using a mouse model, the study explores how preconception exposure to alcohol by fathers can lead to growth restrictions and other health issues in their offspring. The research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these effects, which have been largely overlooked in previous studies. Understanding these factors could help in developing better prevention strategies for FASDs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are planning to conceive and have a history of alcohol consumption.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not planning to conceive may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention of birth defects associated with paternal alcohol use.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of maternal alcohol consumption has been extensively studied, the exploration of paternal alcohol effects is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.

Where this research is happening

College Station, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.