Investigating how prenatal factors affect brain development and autism risk
Official title: Prenatal Extracellular Vesicles and Steroid Hormones as Biological Mechanisms Underlying Gestational Factors Associated with Neurodevelopmental Risk
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10931480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things from both moms and babies during pregnancy can affect brain development and the chances of conditions like autism, with the goal of finding early signs that could help identify children who might need extra support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $117,990 |
| NIH project number | 5K99HD108389-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals and their children, particularly those with a family history of neurodevelopmental disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or whose children are older than 21 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the biological pathways through which maternal and fetal factors influence brain development and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By examining extracellular vesicles and steroid hormones during pregnancy, the study aims to identify early biomarkers that could help in recognizing children at risk for these conditions. The approach combines clinical and translational research methodologies, focusing on the interactions between maternal and fetal physiology. This research could lead to improved early identification and intervention strategies for at-risk children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights for early identification and intervention in children at risk for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown promise in identifying biomarkers related to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Firestein, Morgan — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Firestein, Morgan
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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.