Understanding how alcohol exposure during pregnancy affects cell growth and development
Official title: Cell cycle regulation in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-10914310 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking alcohol during pregnancy can affect the growth of a baby's brain and other organs, using mice to understand the changes that happen in cells, which could help us find better ways to support kids with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Upstate Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $247,610 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AA028273-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914310 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who were exposed to alcohol in utero and may exhibit symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not exposed to alcohol during pregnancy or do not exhibit symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of alcohol exposure during a critical period of pregnancy on the development of the fetal brain and other organs. It focuses on how alcohol disrupts the normal cell cycle, which is essential for proper cell growth and division. Using a mouse model, the study examines changes in gene expression and signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation, aiming to uncover the mechanisms behind the physical and cognitive impairments associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The findings could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into preventing or mitigating the effects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding cell cycle regulation can lead to significant advancements in addressing developmental disorders, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boschen, Karen Elizabeth — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Boschen, Karen Elizabeth
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.
-
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.