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Exploring White Matter Biomarkers of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure and Infant Cognitive Development

Award Number: F30DA066173
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 01/17/2027
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/16/2028

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Exploring White Matter Biomarkers of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure and Infant Cognitive Development - This predoctoral training application details a comprehensive plan to develop core skills essential for a career as a neonatologist and physician scientist. Prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) affects approximately 8% of US pregnancies and is rising, driven by changing societal norms, perceived safety, and pregnancy symptom management. PCE spans social and geographical groups and may coincide with economic and psychosocial barriers, as well as protective factors such as social support and community resources that buffer the effects of adverse exposures on development. Despite the widespread nature of PCE, the effects of PCE on the developing brain remain largely unstudied, representing a major and urgent public health concern. PCE has been associated with cognitive difficulties throughout the lifespan, yet the neurobiological signatures of PCE are poorly understood. Disruptions in the development of white matter are a likely pathway, as cannabis components cross the placenta and interact with endocannabinoid receptors critical for white matter maturation. Core microstructural features of white matter development include increased axon density, fiber coherence, and myelination, which facilitate cross-brain communication essential for cognitive functions. Advanced diffusion MRI methods such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) can detect subtle changes in brain microstructure but have not been applied to study PCE in large infant cohorts. The proposed work will use data collected through the HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study, a novel, large-scale longitudinal study of neurodevelopment following thousands of families from pregnancy through childhood. DTI and NODDI modeling will be leveraged to identify associations between PCE and neonatal white matter microstructure (Aim 1). Given the importance of detecting developmental delay early in life to facilitate early intervention, this study will also elucidate relationships between neonatal white matter microstructure and emerging executive function in infants (Aim 2). Further, even in the absence of main effects (Aims 1 and 2), neonatal white matter microstructure may influence the effect of PCE on infant executive function, illuminating complex interactions between biology and environment. A follow-up analysis will examine whether neonatal white matter maturity moderates the relationship between PCE and infant executive function (Aim 3). Given the rising prevalence of cannabis use in pregnancy and the importance of early detection and intervention for developmental delay, this research addresses a critical public health need. The proposed training will provide a strong foundation in neuroimaging, infant cognition, and prenatal exposure science, supporting a career dedicated to understanding how early life exposures shape brain and cognitive development. This work has the potential to inform targeted clinical and public health strategies for families affected by cannabis exposure.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $41,034 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM	21 N PARK ST STE 6301	MADISON	WI	53715	DANE	USA	Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs	000	1	7/17/2026	NEW	$41,034
														Subtotal = $41,034

Grand Total All Awards = $41,034

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Exploring White Matter Biomarkers of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure and Infant Cognitive Development

Award Number: F30DA066173

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 01/17/2027

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/16/2028

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