Gut microbiome signals that affect insulin resistance in pregnancy
Official title: Gut microbiota-aryl hydrocarbon receptor cross talk in pregnancy
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11341237 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study from the University of Illinois at Chicago will explore how the gut bacteria and a key body sensor called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor influence insulin resistance during pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 5, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $665,163 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD121742-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11341237 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals, especially those at risk for gestational diabetes, and relevant animal model systems.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant individuals without gut microbiome alterations or those not at risk for gestational diabetes may not experience direct benefits.
What this research studies
This project looks at how changes in gut bacteria during late pregnancy might disrupt a metabolic pathway involving the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, contributing to gestational diabetes. Researchers will examine molecules called indoles produced by gut microbes and how they activate AHR, possibly through miR-709, to influence insulin resistance. The work combines human biology with mouse models to test whether restoring indole production could improve metabolic health in pregnancy. Findings could point to new ways to prevent gestational diabetes and protect mothers and babies. The team will use analyses of gut microbiome, metabolites, and gene regulation to connect gut signals with metabolic outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies to prevent or treat gestational diabetes by targeting the gut microbiome and AHR pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows a link between gut-derived metabolites, AHR signaling, and metabolic health, but this specific gestational context is being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Priyadarshini, Medha — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Priyadarshini, Medha
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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.