How maternal e-cigarette use affects brain development in offspring
Official title: Genomic and Epigenomic Mechanisms of Maternal E-Cigarette induced Abnormal Brain Development
Funded at Loma Linda University · NIH-11015823 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how using e-cigarettes during pregnancy might affect the brain development of babies, especially in ways that could lead to conditions like ADHD and autism, and it aims to help understand the risks for moms and their little ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loma Linda University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loma Linda, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,223,346 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DA058278-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015823 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who use e-cigarettes and their children, particularly those at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use e-cigarettes during pregnancy or have no history of neurodevelopmental disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal e-cigarette use on the brain development of offspring, focusing on how prenatal exposure to nicotine alters genomic and epigenomic mechanisms. By using a rat model, the study examines changes in the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the brain, which are crucial for normal cognitive and emotional functioning. The researchers aim to uncover the underlying biological processes that lead to neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism. This work could provide insights into the risks associated with e-cigarette use during pregnancy and inform future health guidelines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders linked to maternal e-cigarette use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that prenatal exposure to nicotine can adversely affect brain development, suggesting that this investigation builds on established findings in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Charles — Loma Linda University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Charles
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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.