Serena B. Gumusoglu, Ph.D.

Fellow In Child & Adolescent ADHD

Project Details

Mentors

Isaac Petersen, Ph.D.
Hanna Stevens, M.D., Ph.D.


Project

Anti-angiogenic mechanisms in prenatal life as drivers of ADHD


Project Summary

ADHD, a common neurodevelopmental condition, may have its roots in the womb. The placenta produces proteins that support blood vessel growth in both placenta and baby’s brain. Blood vessels provide essential support for brain development. In pregnancies affected by conditions like preeclampsia, placental proteins vital for brain blood vessel formation are disrupted. These disruptions may cause brain changes which underly ADHD. Our research will examine patterns of blood vessel and placental proteins in mom’s blood during pregnancy to develop a prenatal signature for ADHD. We will also use mice to study how too little of one protein vital for placental function and blood vessel formation—placental growth factor—alters brain and behavior. Placental growth factor is disrupted in many pregnancy conditions linked to child ADHD. Our work aims to improve prenatal screening, early interventions, and potential therapies for ADHD.