Understanding and treating learning challenges in children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure
Official title: Mechanisms and treatments of learning deficits in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-11193149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol during pregnancy affects kids' thinking and behavior, and it aims to find ways to help children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) learn better by exploring specific biological factors and possible treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | January 25, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,987 |
| NIH project number | 2R56AA026272-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193149 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders or have a history of prenatal alcohol exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of prenatal alcohol exposure or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on children's cognitive and behavioral development. It focuses on identifying specific biological mechanisms, particularly the role of the potassium channel KCNN2 and Apolipoprotein E (APOE), that contribute to learning deficits in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The study aims to explore potential treatments, including pharmacological interventions that could improve learning outcomes. By examining both animal models and human subjects, the research seeks to validate therapeutic targets that could lead to effective interventions for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve learning and cognitive function in children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in addressing similar cognitive deficits associated with prenatal alcohol exposure, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Torii, Masaaki — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Torii, Masaaki
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cellular mechanisms shaping fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
This NIH grant studies how alcohol exposure before birth damages development at the cellular level, with potential to improve understanding and care for individuals affected by FASD.
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Web tools to screen children for effects of prenatal alcohol exposure
This project uses online tools to check children ages 6–17 for physical, thinking, and behavior signs linked to prenatal alcohol exposure.
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Choline Genetics and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Children
This study looks at how genetic differences in choline metabolism affect cognitive and behavioral outcomes in children with prenatal alcohol exposure who may benefit from choline supplementation.
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Data coordination for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders research
A national collaboration coordinates data and sharing to help understand and improve care for children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD.
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Improved FASD screening for kids using BRAIN-online in Spanish
A web-based, Spanish-enabled screening tool helps identify signs of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in children to guide further evaluation and support.
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How prenatal alcohol exposure harms hearing development
Researchers are looking at how alcohol exposure during pregnancy changes the brain cells that help process sound in mice, to better understand hearing problems in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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.