How prenatal alcohol exposure may affect reproductive and brain health across generations
Epigenetic and metabolic mechanisms of environmentally-induced transgenerational germline dysfunction
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11377002
Researchers are looking at whether alcohol exposure during pregnancy can change the reproductive and neurological health of children and grandchildren.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11377002 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses a well-studied worm model (C. elegans) to mimic how early alcohol exposure alters reproductive cells and can affect later generations. Scientists will map epigenetic changes, measure metabolic shifts, use classical genetics, and inspect cells under the microscope to find where the exposure leaves a lasting mark. They will compare those findings to known effects in mammals to identify shared mechanisms. The work is laboratory-based and focuses on molecular and cellular processes that could explain multigenerational impacts.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure and family members concerned about multigenerational effects could follow this research and be interested in related future studies.
Not a fit: Individuals whose health issues are unrelated to prenatal alcohol exposure or who want immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain how prenatal alcohol exposure causes lasting, heritable harm and suggest targets to prevent or reverse those effects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and epigenetic studies have pointed to heritable effects of alcohol, but the precise mechanisms remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ALLARD, PATRICK — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: ALLARD, PATRICK
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.