Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) awarded The Ohio State University $474,223 on May 11, 2026, under the Alcohol Research Programs (CFDA 93.273) to conduct research on the mechanisms and neuroprotective targets in alcohol-induced brain injury. This project, scheduled for completion by January 31, 2031, aims to elucidate the brain region- and cell-specific mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced developmental neurotoxicity (AIDN) and develop precision interventions to address Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), which represent a major public health concern affecting 1–5% of the U.S. population with an estimated annual economic burden of $5 billion.

The research delivers comprehensive mechanistic understanding through multidisciplinary scientific approaches, including virus-based cell-specific gene modification, spatial transcriptomics, multiphoton imaging, and behavioral assessments. The study utilizes complementary research models—human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived 3D mini brains and mouse models—to investigate AIDN mechanisms at molecular, cellular, tissue, and animal levels. The project's primary deliverables include identification of neuron-specific signaling pathways contributing to alcohol vulnerability, characterization of brain region- and cell-specific neuroprotection targets, and evaluation of neuron-specific and mitochondria-targeted interventions, collectively advancing the scientific knowledge base for improved treatment and prevention strategies for alcohol-related developmental neurotoxicity.