Effects of low oxygen levels during pregnancy on the placenta and brain development
Official title: Molecular and bioenergetic dynamics of in utero chronic hypoxia on placenta and brain
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-10988582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how low oxygen levels in the womb, often caused by conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, can impact the growth of the placenta and brain, with the goal of finding ways to help prevent brain injuries in babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $260,887 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD114071-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988582 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals with conditions that may lead to chronic hypoxia, such as hypertension or diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without conditions that cause chronic low oxygen levels in the womb may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic low oxygen levels in the womb, caused by conditions like hypertension and diabetes, affect the development of the placenta and brain. Using advanced imaging technology, the study examines the metabolic and molecular changes that occur in the brain and placenta due to this hypoxic environment. By studying rodent models, researchers aim to understand the relationship between oxygen levels, energy metabolism, and genetic changes that may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. The findings could provide insights into preventing or mitigating brain injuries in infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing neurodevelopmental disorders in infants exposed to chronic low oxygen levels during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of prenatal hypoxia on brain development, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cristancho, Ana — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Cristancho, Ana
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.