Understanding how prenatal exposure to cannabis affects brain development and memory.
Official title: Elucidation of molecular mechanisms of prenatal cannabinoid exposure: Identification of targets and therapies.
Funded at Kennesaw State University · NIH-10900805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to cannabis before birth might affect a child's ability to learn and remember things, and it aims to find out how this happens in the brain, so we can better help kids who might struggle with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kennesaw State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kennesaw, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $295,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA046723-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who have used cannabis during their pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to cannabis during pregnancy or those whose offspring are already exhibiting severe cognitive impairments unrelated to prenatal exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE) on cognitive function in offspring. It aims to identify the molecular mechanisms that lead to learning and memory deficits associated with PCE by examining changes in brain signaling pathways and synaptic plasticity. The study will utilize animal models to explore how PCE impacts the expression of specific proteins involved in memory and cognition. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to inform potential therapeutic targets for addressing cognitive impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating cognitive deficits in children exposed to cannabis in utero.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into the effects of prenatal substance exposure, this specific investigation into the molecular mechanisms of cannabis exposure is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suppiramaniam, Vishnu — Kennesaw State University
- Study coordinator: Suppiramaniam, Vishnu
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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.