Investigating the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on fetal development
Official title: Project 2: Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Funded at North Carolina Central University · NIH-10897324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause developmental issues in babies, like Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), and it aims to find ways to prevent or treat these problems using special models like zebrafish and mice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Central University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $191,248 |
| NIH project number | 5U54AA030451-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897324 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who consume alcohol and may be at risk of having children with FASD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy or those without any developmental concerns related to FASD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to developmental disorders, specifically Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). By using advanced models such as genetically modified zebrafish and mice, the study aims to identify the molecular pathways affected by alcohol exposure that lead to limb and facial defects. The researchers will employ techniques like gene knockout and high-throughput screening of chemical compounds to find potential treatments or preventive measures. This work seeks to provide insights that could ultimately improve clinical practices and reduce the incidence of FASD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating the effects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of alcohol-induced developmental defects, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina Central University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Kevin Peter — North Carolina Central University
- Study coordinator: Williams, Kevin Peter
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.