Investigating how opioid receptors affect breathing in infants
Mu Opioid Receptors and Splice Variant Expression in Neonate Autoresuscitation
This study is looking at how certain genes might affect how newborns breathe and recover from breathing problems, which could help us understand Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) better and find ways to keep babies safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11074051 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of mu opioid receptors in the respiratory reflexes of neonates, particularly in the context of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The study aims to explore how genetic variations in the OPRM1 gene, which encodes these receptors, may influence the ability of infants to recover from breathing challenges. By using genetic knockout mouse models, the researchers will assess the impact of these receptors on respiratory dynamics and the autoresuscitation reflex in newborns. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms behind SIDS and potential interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants under one year of age, particularly those at risk for respiratory issues or SIDS.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than one year or do not have any respiratory concerns may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in infants.
How similar studies have performed: While the association between opioid receptors and SIDS has been noted, this specific approach to understanding the genetic mechanisms is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Memos, Nicoletta K — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Memos, Nicoletta K
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.