Understanding brain blood vessel development and inflammation in preterm infants
Neuroinflammation and vascular development in GMH
This study is looking into why some premature babies experience bleeding in the brain, which can lead to serious issues like cerebral palsy, by exploring how their brain blood vessels develop and what makes them weak during pregnancy, with the hope of finding ways to prevent these problems and help these little ones thrive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10891478 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the causes of germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) in preterm infants, which can lead to serious conditions like cerebral palsy. By examining the development of blood vessels and the role of specific brain cells during the second trimester, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that make these blood vessels vulnerable to hemorrhage. The researchers will use advanced techniques such as single-cell transcriptomics and fluorescence-activated cell sorting to analyze the properties of blood vessels in the developing brain. This work could provide insights into preventing GMH and improving outcomes for preterm infants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants born between 21 to 30 weeks of gestation.
Not a fit: Patients who are not preterm or those born outside the specified gestational age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing germinal matrix hemorrhage and improving neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding brain development and vascular issues in preterm infants, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Eric J — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Huang, Eric J
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.