Understanding brain development issues in babies with growth restrictions during pregnancy
Official title: Corticospinal Tract Development in Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10895289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being smaller than expected before birth can impact brain development and lead to issues like cerebral palsy, using a special mouse model to understand the changes that happen in the brain and how they might help us find better treatments for babies affected by this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $160,802 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HD102023-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895289 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants born with intrauterine growth restriction who may be at risk for motor dysfunction and cerebral palsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of intrauterine growth restriction or related neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affects brain development and can lead to conditions like cerebral palsy. By using a specialized mouse model, researchers will explore the changes in brain cells and structures that occur due to IUGR and exposure to high oxygen levels after birth. The study aims to identify specific genetic and biochemical changes that contribute to motor dysfunction in affected infants, providing insights into potential interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for infants at risk of developing cerebral palsy due to growth restrictions during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain development issues related to growth restrictions, but this specific approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Jill — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Chang, Jill
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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.