How low doses of alcohol during pregnancy affect brain development and function.
Mechanisms underlying diverse effects of low-dose embryonic ethanol on development and function of hypocretin/orexin neurons
This study looks at how even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can affect the brain development of babies, using zebrafish to help us understand the changes that happen and how they might lead to problems with alcohol later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10771157 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of low-dose alcohol exposure during pregnancy on the development and function of specific brain neurons related to alcohol use disorder. Using zebrafish as a model, the study aims to understand the cellular and anatomical changes that occur due to early ethanol exposure. By observing these effects in real-time, researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms that lead to increased risk of alcohol-related behaviors later in life. The findings could provide insights into how even minimal alcohol consumption during pregnancy can affect fetal brain development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who were exposed to alcohol in utero and may be at risk for alcohol use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for alcohol use disorder stemming from prenatal exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown significant effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on brain development, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Rockefeller University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leibowitz, Sarah F. — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Leibowitz, Sarah F.
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.