Investigating how childhood maltreatment affects suicide risk through microRNA changes
MicroRNA Correlates of Childhood Maltreatment and Suicidality
This study is looking at how experiences of childhood abuse or neglect might affect tiny molecules in the body that could signal a higher risk of suicide later in life, helping us understand the long-term effects of early stress on mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089584 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between childhood maltreatment and the risk of suicide by examining changes in specific microRNAs, which are small molecules that regulate gene expression. The study aims to identify a molecular signature that could indicate increased suicide risk in individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment. By analyzing neural-derived exosomes from blood plasma, researchers will assess how these microRNAs are altered in response to early stress and how they relate to major depressive disorder and suicidality. This approach may reveal long-term biological changes that contribute to vulnerability in affected individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients without a history of childhood maltreatment or those not experiencing suicidal ideation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new biomarkers for identifying individuals at risk of suicide due to childhood maltreatment, enabling earlier intervention and tailored treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of linking microRNA changes to childhood maltreatment and suicidality is relatively novel, there is growing evidence supporting the role of epigenetic factors in mental health outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dwivedi, Yogesh — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Dwivedi, Yogesh
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.