Understanding how early alcohol exposure affects brain function and how APOE-based therapies might help
Official title: Mechanisms and pharmacotherapy of neurocognitive deficits in FASD
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-11338811 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how prenatal alcohol exposure can cause long-lasting brain and behavior problems and tests a therapy that targets APOE signaling in the motor area of the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $648,180 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA033036-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11338811 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults or adolescents with or without a history of prenatal alcohol exposure who could participate in future translational studies or biomarker analyses related to APOE signaling.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without any history or exposure relevant to FASD or without access to related trials may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how exposure to alcohol before birth leads to lasting neurobehavioral deficits, particularly in motor skills. They will examine how APOE signaling in the motor cortex changes after exposure and whether boosting APOE activity can improve outcomes. The project uses animal models to explore chromatin changes, gene expression, and the mechanisms behind learning and movement problems, with the goal of identifying a potential APOE receptor–targeted treatment. If successful, these findings could point to new ways to help individuals with FASD manage motor and cognitive challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new therapy that improves motor skills and cognitive function in people affected by FASD.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown APOE-targeted therapies can improve neural function in related models, suggesting potential for translation to humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Torii, Masaaki — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Torii, Masaaki
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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.