How nicotine affects brain development in children exposed during pregnancy
Official title: Nicotinic modulation of excitatory synapse development in the prefrontal cortex
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11103125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to nicotine during pregnancy affects brain development in babies, especially in areas that help with thinking and learning, which could help us find better ways to prevent and treat conditions like ADHD and autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,591 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DA060091-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include pregnant individuals who smoke or use e-cigarettes and their children who may be at risk for ADHD or autism spectrum disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have children at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of prenatal nicotine exposure on the development of excitatory synapses in the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for cognitive functions. By using advanced techniques like two-photon imaging and electrophysiology, the study aims to understand how nicotine interacts with specific receptors in the brain to influence synapse maturation. The findings could reveal important mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights that could improve prevention and treatment approaches for these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of neurodevelopmental disorders linked to prenatal nicotine exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding cholinergic signaling can lead to significant insights in neurodevelopment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gomez Wulschner, Luis E — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Gomez Wulschner, Luis E
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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.