Understanding Choline and Genetics in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Choline-Related Polymorphisms in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
This research explores how a nutrient called choline, along with a child's genes, might help improve brain development in children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167740 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), causing learning and behavioral challenges. Choline, an important nutrient for brain development, has shown promise in helping children with FASD. However, its benefits can vary, and we believe that differences in a child's genes might explain why some children respond better to choline than others. This project aims to identify specific genetic differences that influence how choline affects brain function and behavior in children with FASD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for children aged 0-11 years who have been exposed to alcohol before birth and are affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced prenatal alcohol exposure or do not have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized choline treatments, helping doctors recommend the right amount of choline for each child with FASD based on their genetic makeup.
How similar studies have performed: Previous findings suggest that certain genetic differences are linked to how well children with prenatal alcohol exposure respond to choline supplements, indicating a promising direction for this work.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Susan M. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Smith, Susan M.
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.