Investigating how alcohol affects brain signaling during pregnancy
Official title: CB1-mediated signaling in developmental ethanol effects
Funded at Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res · NIH-10930799 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how drinking alcohol during pregnancy affects the developing brain of babies, particularly looking at how it might cause long-term behavior issues, and it aims to find ways to prevent or lessen these effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orangeburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $453,587 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029686-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930799 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who were exposed to alcohol in utero and may be experiencing cognitive or behavioral challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy or do not exhibit any related cognitive or behavioral impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the effects of alcohol exposure during pregnancy on the developing fetal brain, specifically looking at how it leads to long-term behavioral impairments known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The study examines the role of CB1 receptors in the brain and how their signaling is altered by alcohol exposure, potentially leading to cognitive and socio-behavioral deficits in offspring. By using neonatal mice models, the researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these changes, which could provide insights into preventing or mitigating the effects of alcohol on fetal development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for preventing cognitive and behavioral issues in children exposed to alcohol in utero.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding the role of CB1 receptors in alcohol exposure can lead to significant insights, indicating that this research builds on established findings in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res
Orangeburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balapal, Basavaraj S — Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res
- Study coordinator: Balapal, Basavaraj S
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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.