Understanding how a placental hormone affects brain development and injury
Novel Roles of Placental Allopregnanolone in Brain Development and Injury
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11164601
This project explores how a special hormone from the placenta, called allopregnanolone, helps a baby's brain grow and protects it from harm.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11164601 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Problems with the placenta are often linked to abnormal brain development in babies, which can lead to conditions like autism, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. This research focuses on a key hormone, allopregnanolone (ALLO), that the placenta produces and which is crucial for normal brain growth. Researchers are using advanced models to understand how a lack of this hormone might cause long-term neurological problems. The goal is to uncover the exact ways placental health influences a baby's developing brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies stemming from it may benefit pregnant individuals and their babies at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Not a fit: Patients not currently pregnant or those whose conditions are unrelated to placental allopregnanolone levels would not directly benefit from this specific foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat neurodevelopmental disorders by addressing placental health during pregnancy.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon initial findings from the research team that successfully demonstrated the importance of placental allopregnanolone using a novel mouse model.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PENN, ANNA A — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: PENN, ANNA A
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.
Conditions: Acquired brain injury