Understanding how brain injuries in preterm infants affect development
Official title: Overcoming the Inhibitory Neurovascular Niche in Preterm Infant Brain Injury
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11070396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bleeding in the brain affects the brain development of preterm babies, and it aims to find ways to help prevent problems with their growth and learning by understanding a protein called fibrinogen.
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 start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $507,079 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126498-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070396 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants who are at risk for central nervous system hemorrhage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not preterm or do not have a history of brain hemorrhage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of central nervous system hemorrhage on the brain development of preterm infants. It focuses on understanding the molecular signals that disrupt cerebellar maturation due to bleeding in the brain. By studying the role of fibrinogen, a protein involved in blood clotting, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent neurodevelopmental impairments. The approach includes using animal models to explore how fibrinogen affects neuroinflammation and brain repair processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent developmental disabilities in preterm infants who experience brain hemorrhage.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neuroinflammation in brain injuries, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petersen, Mark a — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Petersen, Mark a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Combinatorial neuroprotective strategies for preterm brain injury in youth
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How fatty acids change after newborn brain injury
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Protecting preterm babies' cerebellum from damage after brain bleeding
Researchers are testing whether blocking the blood protein fibrinogen can protect the developing cerebellum of preterm infants after brain hemorrhage.
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Brain injury risks in preterm newborns with congenital heart disease
This grant studies how being born preterm with congenital heart disease affects brain development and injury, to help improve outcomes for affected babies.
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.