Investigating how serotonin-producing neurons affect breathing recovery in newborns after stress.
Does neurotransmitter plasticity of para-serotonergic neurons augment autoresuscitation following perinatal stress and buffer SIDS risk?
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that make serotonin help newborns bounce back from breathing problems, which can happen to babies, and it aims to find out more about how these cells might relate to serious issues like sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10893630 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of serotonin-producing neurons in helping newborns recover from breathing interruptions, which are common in infants. By studying mice, the researchers aim to understand how changes in these neurons may contribute to conditions like sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The project focuses on the development of specific types of serotonin neurons and their impact on the autoresuscitatory reflex, which is crucial for survival in newborns. The findings could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying breathing difficulties in infants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns and infants, particularly those at risk for breathing difficulties or SIDS.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than infancy or those without a history of breathing issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for conditions like SIDS, enhancing infant survival rates.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding serotonin's role in breathing regulation is promising, but this specific approach is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dymecki, Susan M. — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Dymecki, Susan M.
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.