Investigating how choline supplementation affects brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Official title: Neuregulin/Alpha7nAChR Signaling, the GABAergic Switch and Neurodevelopmental Risk: Mechanisms of Gestational Choline Supplementation.
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10914853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking choline during pregnancy might help with brain development and could affect conditions like autism, so it's for expectant moms who want to know more about how their diet might influence their baby's brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $489,748 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112364-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914853 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include pregnant individuals and their offspring, particularly those with a family history of neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without a family history of neurodevelopmental disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of choline supplementation during pregnancy on brain development, particularly focusing on the signaling pathways involving the nicotinic receptor, alpha7nAChR, and their impact on GABA neurotransmission. By examining genetic factors and their influence on neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the study aims to understand how these mechanisms contribute to the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain. The research involves both genetic analysis and behavioral assessments to identify potential risks and benefits associated with choline intake during gestation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neurotransmitter signaling in neurodevelopment, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Law, Amanda Jayne — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Law, Amanda Jayne
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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.