Understanding and Detecting Brain Damage from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Adolescents

FASD Inhibition of ASPH-Notch Mediates Adolescent Cerebral White Matter Pathology-Potential Utility of Non-invasive Extracellular Vesicle Assays

['FUNDING_R01'] · RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL · NIH-11061323

This research aims to better understand how fetal alcohol exposure harms the developing brain in adolescents and find new ways to detect this damage.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorRHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11061323 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) can cause lasting brain damage, especially to the brain's white matter, which affects how brain cells communicate. Despite years of effort, we still need better ways to identify this damage and develop effective treatments. This project focuses on specific brain pathways that alcohol might disrupt, leading to problems with brain development and function. We hope to discover new methods, possibly using non-invasive tests, to detect these changes early.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for adolescents aged 12-20 who have been affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Not a fit: Patients without Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or those outside the adolescent age range may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of brain damage in adolescents with FASD, paving the way for new treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has identified some mechanisms by which alcohol affects brain development, and this project builds upon those earlier discoveries.

Where this research is happening

PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.