IVH-induced abnormality of SVZ-stem cells and brain connectivity in a piglet model

The proposed study leverages resources in our recently awarded R01, which utilizes scDCT monitoring in the setting of IVH and establishes an algorithm to longitudinally evaluate brain function and connectivity for clinical application on preterm babies. As part of a cross-college collaboration, we will relate these real-time data to parameters of cerebral development, measured via Doppler ultrasound (DUS) and confirmed with postmortem histopathology. Further, we will test our hypothesis that IVH disrupts SVZ SCs and their progeny, thereby resulting in abnormal development of the cortex and pathology within the ventricle. Taken together, the current study will provide critical data to support the prognostic capabilities of our innovative monitoring technique for IVH and yield new insights into cellular mechanisms underlying IVH-related developmental neuropathology which will inform the identification of new therapeutic targets.