Investigating the role of IGF-1 in brain injury in newborns
Official title: IGF-1 and Innate Immunity in Neonatal Brain Injury
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10980077 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called IGF-1 might help newborns with brain injuries from bleeding in the brain, by seeing if it can support the growth of important brain cells and improve their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $440,066 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS134626-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980077 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns under 11 years old who have experienced intraventricular hemorrhage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of brain injury or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) affects the development of brain cells in newborns who experience intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), a type of brain injury. The study examines the relationship between inflammation caused by IVH and the production of IGF-1 by microglia, the brain's immune cells. By exploring how IGF-1 supplementation may support the health of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), the research aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for affected infants. The approach includes analyzing cellular responses to inflammatory factors and testing IGF-1 as a treatment option.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve brain development and reduce long-term neurological disabilities in infants affected by brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using IGF-1 for neuroprotection in other forms of brain injury, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Brandon a — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Miller, Brandon a
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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.