How maternal gut bacteria affect fetal brain development and disorders
Maternal gut microbiota in fetal programming of neurodevelopment and related disorders
This study is looking at how the bacteria in pregnant women's guts might affect their baby's brain development and could be linked to conditions like autism, with the hope of finding ways to help prevent these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10907608 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of maternal gut microbiota in influencing fetal brain development and the potential link to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. By examining the gut bacteria composition in pregnant women, the study aims to understand how these microorganisms may affect the immune system and brain development of the fetus. The approach includes analyzing biological samples and using advanced sequencing techniques to identify changes in gut microbiota and their possible effects on neurodevelopment. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to preventive strategies or interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation would be pregnant women, particularly those with a family history of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those without a family history of neurodevelopmental disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between gut microbiota and neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buffington, Shelly a — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Buffington, Shelly a
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.