Prenatal alcohol's effects on brain immune cells and endocannabinoid signaling
Role of Microglia in Prenatal ethanol exposure-induced Impairment of Endocannabinoid Signaling
['FUNDING_R01'] · STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO · NIH-11123914
This project looks at whether prenatal alcohol exposure causes lasting changes in brain immune cells (microglia) and the brain's endocannabinoid signaling that may underlie learning, attention, and mood problems in people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AMHERST, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11123914 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work uses prenatal alcohol exposure animal models to study how microglia (the brain's immune cells) and the brain's own cannabinoid-like signaling change into adulthood. Researchers will examine synapse maturation, measure endocannabinoid signaling, and test related learning, attention, and mood behaviors. They will also test whether reducing microglial activation can restore normal signaling, synaptic function, and behavior in these models. The aim is to connect cellular changes caused by prenatal alcohol to the cognitive and behavioral problems seen in FASD and highlight possible treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or known prenatal alcohol exposure who have ongoing learning, attention, or mood difficulties would be most likely to benefit from findings.
Not a fit: People without prenatal alcohol exposure or whose cognitive or mood problems have unrelated causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to restore normal brain signaling and improve learning, attention, or mood symptoms in people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have linked prenatal alcohol to microglial activation and altered endocannabinoid signaling, and reducing microglial activation has improved signaling and behavior in animals, but translation to human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
AMHERST, UNITED STATES
- STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO — AMHERST, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHEN, ROH-YU — STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO
- Study coordinator: SHEN, ROH-YU
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.
Conditions: Affective Disorders