Understanding how low oxygen affects memory in preterm infants
Official title: Mechanisms of hypoxia-mediated memory impairment in an animal model of acute respiratory failure in preterm survivors
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10939062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how low oxygen levels can affect memory and brain development in preterm babies who have had serious breathing problems, using a mouse model to help understand the long-term impacts on learning and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $472,616 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS138147-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939062 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants who have experienced episodes of acute respiratory failure and are at risk for cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are full-term infants or those who have not experienced hypoxia or acute respiratory failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of low oxygen levels on memory and cognitive development in preterm infants who survive acute respiratory failure. Using a preterm-equivalent mouse model, the study examines how a single episode of hypoxia impacts the development of brain structures and functions critical for learning and memory. The researchers will analyze changes in neuronal structure, gene expression, and synaptic plasticity to understand the long-term effects of hypoxia on brain maturation. This work aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to cognitive impairments in children who experienced hypoxia during their early development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cognitive disabilities in preterm infants who experience low oxygen levels.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the effects of hypoxia on brain development can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies for affected populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Back, Stephen Arthur — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Back, Stephen Arthur
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Why low-oxygen episodes in very premature babies can cause memory problems
This work explores whether a brief low-oxygen event around birth changes how hippocampus cells mature and leads to lasting learning and memory problems in babies born very early.
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Understanding which patients and hospital care pathways affect outcomes after ICU vs ward care for ARF and sepsis
A big study using hospital records to figure out which patients with acute respiratory failure and sepsis do best when admitted to ICUs versus general wards.
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Optimizing Time-Limited Trials of Ventilation in Acute Respiration Failure
Aimed at patients with acute respiratory failure, this project looks at how short-term trials of life-support in the ICU can be better planned and communicated.
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.