Neonatal Brain Injury Lab
Neuroprotection for At-Risk Newborns
The Neonatal Brain Injury Lab at Nemours Children’s in Delaware Valley is dedicated to understanding how the immune system interacts with the developing brain, particularly in cases of brain injury that happens in childbirth. Our special focus is on neonatal hypoxic ischemic brain injury, which can have lifelong impacts on a child’s development, learning, and behavior.
We have created a new experimental model using mice that closely mimics the risks involved with human birth-related brain injuries. We are using this model to better understand how lack of oxygen injures the brain and how it heals.
We aim to gain insights into how to prevent these injuries from happening and to help children recover if they do.
Principal Investigator
Elizabeth Wright-Jin, MD, PhD
Attending Pediatric Neurologist, Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
Affiliate Assistant Professor, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RESEARCH
- Research Interests
- Outcomes, Awards & Impact
Our Areas of Focus
Impact of Maternal Inflammation
Maternal immune activation (inflammation) — or when the immune system responds to a perceived threat to the body during late pregnancy and childbirth — significantly increases the risk for a birth-related brain injury. We are looking at how inflammation in mothers affects their baby by studying interactions of the mother, placenta, and baby. We want to find ways to reduce brain development problems in babies born to mothers with infections or inflammation.
Neuronal and Behavioral Impacts of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE is a brain injury that happens when there is a lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain around the time of birth. It can lead to learning problems, ADHD, mood disorders, epilepsy, and autism. We are looking at the effects of HIE on neurons (nerve cells) and behaviors in mouse models, both in the short- and long-term.
Microglia Identity After HIE
Microglia (the immune cells in the brain) and microglia-like monocytes are believed to be key players in the inflammatory response after HIE. The process of how these cells become activated and take on different roles is not yet understood. Additionally, the specific groups of cells within the larger population haven’t been fully studied or understood in newborns with HIE. We use advanced techniques, like bulk and single cell profiling, to identify subsets of microglia that develop so they may be targeted to control healing and recovery.
Research in Context
Our labs contribute to research that informs pediatric care, working in alignment with research centers and focused areas of scientific study at Nemours.
Neuroscience Center, Delaware Valley
CLINICAL CARE
Pediatric neurology, epilepsy care, and neurodevelopmental services at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware and throughout Greater Philadelphia.
Neuroscience Research
RESEARCH AREA
We investigate brain development and neurological disorders to advance pediatric neuroscience through collaboration and translational science.
Neuroscience Research Center
DELAWARE VALLEY
Our team investigates the developing brain and translates discoveries in imaging, behavior, and biology into better diagnostics and treatments for children.