Investigating how certain receptors affect blood flow regulation in preterm infants
Official title: The role of Alpha1-Adrenergic Receptors Promoter Methylation in Cerebral Autoregulation in Fetus
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11044156 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how preterm babies manage blood flow to their brains when their blood pressure changes, focusing on a specific part of their body that helps control this process, to better understand why they might be more likely to have brain injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | April 7, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $383,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD109310-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044156 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants who are at risk of brain injury due to poor blood flow regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are full-term infants or those without any risk factors for brain injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how preterm infants struggle to regulate blood flow to the brain in response to changes in blood pressure, a process known as cerebral autoregulation. The study focuses on the role of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, which are crucial for constricting blood vessels to manage blood flow. By examining the differences in receptor activity between near-term and preterm fetuses, the research aims to understand why preterm infants are at higher risk for brain injury due to increased blood flow. The methodology includes both in vivo and ex vivo experiments to assess the functionality of these receptors in regulating blood flow.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing brain injuries in preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding adrenergic receptor function can lead to significant advancements in managing blood flow-related issues in neonates.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goyal, Ravi — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Goyal, Ravi
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.