How male hormones during pregnancy affect brain and immune system development.
Official title: Perinatal Gonadal Hormones Impart Male-Biased Neuroimmune, Mitochondrial, and Behavioral Vulnerabilities.
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11129765 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how hormones during pregnancy and shortly after birth might affect brain and immune system development in boys, helping us understand why some may face challenges later in life, so families can learn more about the long-term effects of these early hormonal changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $523,738 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD110467-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129765 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation would include expectant mothers and their male offspring, particularly those with a family history of neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are female or those whose conditions are unrelated to hormonal influences during the perinatal period may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of perinatal gonadal hormones on the development of neuroimmune and mitochondrial systems, particularly focusing on how these factors may lead to behavioral vulnerabilities in males. By examining biological samples and conducting behavioral assessments, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms through which these hormones influence health outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights into how hormonal influences during critical developmental periods can affect long-term health and behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders in males.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research may be novel, there is existing literature suggesting that hormonal influences during development can significantly impact neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bordt, Evan Andrew — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bordt, Evan Andrew
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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.