Investigating how prenatal alcohol exposure affects blood vessel development in the brain
Molecular Targeting of the Cerebrovasculature During Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol during pregnancy can affect the way blood vessels develop in a baby's brain, which might help us understand some of the challenges kids face with learning and behavior, and it could lead to new ways to support families dealing with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11078293 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the development of blood vessels in the brain, which may contribute to neurocognitive and behavioral deficits in children. By using a mouse model, the study examines specific molecular changes in endothelial cells, which are crucial for forming blood vessels. The researchers aim to identify how these changes affect the blood-brain barrier and overall brain health, potentially leading to new insights into fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This work could pave the way for innovative approaches to prevent or mitigate the effects of alcohol exposure during pregnancy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or have a history of prenatal alcohol exposure.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy or do not exhibit any symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure in children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting vascular development can yield promising results in understanding and potentially treating conditions related to prenatal alcohol exposure, making this approach both relevant and innovative.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gardiner, Amy S — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Gardiner, Amy S
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.