Investigating how prenatal alcohol exposure affects blood vessel development in the brain
Official title: Molecular Targeting of the Cerebrovasculature During Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11078293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $336,312 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA031486-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078293 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating how a specific signaling molecule affects brain blood vessel health in dementia.
This study is looking at how a substance called sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) might help protect the blood-brain barrier and improve brain health for people with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease, which can lead to dementia, and it hopes to find new ways to slow down or prevent this condition.
-
Administrative Core for a Cancer Research Program
This NIH grant funds an Administrative Core to manage a large cancer research program and ensure compliance, coordination, and data resources to support studies on cancer causes and patient populations.
-
Administrative Core for a cancer research program
A central hub at a major medical center helps coordinate cancer research, data resources, and compliance to accelerate progress for people affected by cancer.
-
Engagement Optimization for AI/AN Cancer Genomics and Care
A patient-friendly project aims to use AI tools to better understand cancer genetics in American Indian and Alaska Native communities and use that knowledge to improve screening, prevention, and treatment.
-
GenomeCharacterization for AI/AN Cancer Health
A large NIH project aims to map the cancer genomes of American Indian and Alaska Native people to uncover unique mutations and patterns that could improve cancer screening, prevention, and treatment for AI/AN communities.
-
Engaging AI/AN Communities in Cancer Genomics for Better Screening and Care
A community-engaged research effort to understand cancer genetics in American Indian and Alaska Native people with the goal of improving screening, prevention, and treatment.
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.