Imaging and genomics to study brain development in preterm infants
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Imaging and genomics to study brain development in preterm infants
IRAS ID
149826
Contact name
David Edwards
Contact email
Research summary
Babies born early have a high chance of physical and mental impairment due to brain damage. The reasons for this are unclear, by combining brain imaging with genetics and systems biology, the research team aim to uncover new potential mechanisms contributing to brain development in preterm infants.
Around 1 in 13 babies in the UK are born early (preterm) ie before 37 weeks gestation. Those born extremely preterm have a 1 in 3 chance of mild cognitive difficulties and a 1 in 8 chance of cerebral palsy, while autism and psychiatric disorders are 2 to 3 times more common.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides information on brain structure and function. Compared to infants born at full term, preterm infants show signs of damage to the physical and functional connections within the brain.
Genetic influence has not been investigated thoroughly in preterm infants. We know that siblings are more likely to develop neurological conditions related to prematurity, indicating that genetic factors are important.
The aim of the study is to develop and implement novel approaches combining imaging and genomic data using neuroinformatics, network and pathway analysis, and new statistical techniques; and to investigate the causes of neurocognitive disorders in preterm infants.
Imaging and genetics for 500 preterm infants will be studied in a model guided by biological knowledge, highlighting biological pathways associated with damage to brain structure and connectivity.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
14/NS/0046
Date of REC Opinion
10 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion