Understanding how fatty acid metabolism changes after brain injury in newborns
Official title: Coordination of fatty acid metabolism following neonatal brain injury from preterm birth
Funded at Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger · NIH-11125811 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain fats in our bodies can help the brains of babies who were born early and may have had injuries, with the goal of finding ways to support their brain growth and healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $372,782 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS125653-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125811 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants who have suffered from neonatal brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or who have not experienced any form of neonatal brain injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of fatty acids in the developing brain, particularly following neonatal brain injuries that can occur due to preterm birth. It aims to understand how the balance between fatty acid synthesis and oxidation is affected after such injuries, which is crucial for brain growth and recovery. The study will explore metabolic adaptations in the brain that may disrupt normal development and maturation processes. By examining these changes, researchers hope to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving outcomes in affected infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for supporting brain development and recovery in newborns who have experienced brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic adaptations in brain injuries, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scafidi, Joseph — Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger
- Study coordinator: Scafidi, Joseph
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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.