Exploring how chromosome 21 affects the placenta and brain development in Down Syndrome
Official title: Investigating the impact of chromosome 21 dosage on the placenta secretome and neurodevelopment
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11163901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the placenta might affect brain development in people with Down Syndrome, with the hope of finding new ways to support their growth and development before birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | March 26, 2025 |
| Project end | March 25, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,538 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HD115312-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals carrying a fetus diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of Down Syndrome or are not pregnant may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the placenta and brain development in individuals with Down Syndrome (DS), which is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. The study aims to understand how abnormalities in the placenta may influence brain development by examining the secretion of neuroactive compounds from placental cells. Researchers will use advanced models to analyze the effects of specific genes linked to chromosome 21 on placental function and neurodevelopment. By identifying these mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover potential prenatal treatments for the developmental challenges faced by individuals with DS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prenatal interventions that improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for individuals with Down Syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that understanding the placenta-brain connection can lead to significant insights in developmental disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spiegelberg, Bailey — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Spiegelberg, Bailey
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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.