Preventing brain development issues after loss of placental hormones
Therapeutic agents to prevent developmental neuroimpairment after placental hormone loss
This study is looking at how a drop in a special hormone during late pregnancy might affect brain development in babies, especially those born early, and it aims to find out if giving this hormone back can help improve their development and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10700989 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the loss of a key placental hormone, allopregnanolone, during late pregnancy can lead to neurodevelopmental impairments in infants, particularly those born prematurely. Using a novel mouse model, the study examines the effects of reduced hormone levels on brain development and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders. The researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind these changes and explore potential therapeutic interventions to mitigate the risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in newborns. By injecting a dose of the hormone into pregnant mice, they assess whether it can reverse the negative effects on brain development and behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants born prematurely or those at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders due to placental hormone loss.
Not a fit: Patients who are full-term infants or those without risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent neurodevelopmental impairments in infants born prematurely.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of placental hormones in brain development, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Penn, Anna a — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Penn, Anna a
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.