Prenatal alcohol effects on brain circuits connecting the thalamus and frontal cortex
C4-Effects on Corticothalamic function
Researchers are learning how prenatal alcohol exposure changes brain connections that support memory and flexible thinking in people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11086017 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, scientists are using detailed brain recordings in animal models that had prenatal alcohol exposure to see how the mediodorsal thalamus and medial prefrontal cortex communicate during rest and while doing memory and rule-switching tasks. They will combine these recordings with measures of myelination and examine blood-based signals, including circular RNA and immune markers, to find links between brain-circuit changes and thinking problems. The team aims to connect circuit dysfunction to working memory and cognitive flexibility issues common in FASD, with the idea that these biological markers could guide future targeted treatments. Findings will help point to specific brain pathways and blood tests that could be useful for people affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure or diagnosed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, especially those with problems in memory, attention, or flexible thinking, would be the most relevant group for follow-up studies or future clinical work.
Not a fit: People whose cognitive issues are unrelated to prenatal alcohol exposure, or who do not have FASD, are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to targeted treatments and blood tests to better identify and track cognitive problems in people with FASD.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown that prenatal alcohol can alter brain circuits and myelination, but using blood circular RNA and immune markers as clinical biomarkers and linking them to circuit-specific treatments is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Linsenbardt, David Nathaniel — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Linsenbardt, David Nathaniel
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.