Investigating how prenatal alcohol exposure affects DNA and mental health
Sensitive periods for prenatal alcohol exposure: a longitudinal study of DNA methylation and subsequent mental health
['FUNDING_R21'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-10811607
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol during pregnancy might change a child's DNA and affect their mental health as they grow up, especially the risk of depression in kids aged 4 to 16.5 years, to help us understand how these changes happen and how we can better support affected families.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10811607 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on DNA methylation and its subsequent effects on mental health during childhood and adolescence. By analyzing data from a longitudinal study, researchers will explore how the timing of alcohol exposure during pregnancy influences DNA changes and the risk of developing depression in children aged 4 to 16.5 years. The study aims to provide insights into the biological mechanisms linking prenatal alcohol exposure to mental health outcomes, potentially guiding future interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have been exposed to alcohol in utero.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for mental health issues associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of prenatal exposures on mental health, but this specific approach focusing on DNA methylation and timing is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LUSSIER, ALEXANDRE A — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: LUSSIER, ALEXANDRE A
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.
Conditions: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder