Using fetal exosomes in maternal blood to predict fetal alcohol syndrome
Official title: Fetal-Derived Exosome Cargos in Maternal Blood to Predict Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11054609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles in a pregnant person's blood to see if they can help predict if a baby might develop fetal alcohol syndrome from alcohol exposure during pregnancy, with the hope of finding ways to support families early on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $674,295 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA031319-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054609 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who have consumed alcohol during pregnancy and are at risk of having a child with fetal alcohol syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not consumed alcohol during pregnancy or whose fetuses are not at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of fetal-derived exosomes found in maternal blood as potential biomarkers to predict whether a fetus at risk will develop fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) due to prenatal alcohol exposure. By analyzing these exosomes, which can be collected non-invasively, the study aims to identify molecular markers associated with FAS and its spectrum of disorders. The approach builds on previous findings that linked specific molecular abnormalities in fetal brain-derived exosomes to physical and neurobehavioral characteristics of FAS. Early detection through this method could lead to timely interventions and support for affected families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable early diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome, allowing for timely therapeutic interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using molecular markers from fetal exosomes to identify risks associated with fetal alcohol exposure, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Selzer, Michael Edgar — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Selzer, Michael Edgar
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.