How chemical exposure affects the placental clock during pregnancy
Official title: Chemical exposure disruption of the placental circadian clock
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11011433 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals in the environment, especially pesticides, might affect the natural rhythms of the placenta, which is important for a healthy pregnancy, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how these chemicals could lead to problems like preterm birth or growth issues in babies.
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 | January 17, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $710,895 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035691-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011433 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals exposed to environmental chemicals or those with a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without any history of adverse reproductive outcomes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to environmental chemicals, particularly pesticides, can disrupt the placental circadian clock, which is crucial for healthy pregnancy outcomes. By examining the effects of these chemicals on placental function and signaling pathways, the study aims to understand their role in adverse reproductive outcomes such as preterm birth and growth restrictions. The research utilizes cellular models to explore the mechanisms by which these disruptions occur, focusing on the regulation of key signaling molecules like epidermal growth factor (EGF).
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes linked to environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining the placental circadian clock in relation to chemical exposure is relatively novel, there is existing research indicating that environmental factors can significantly impact reproductive health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Veiga-Lopez, Almudena — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Veiga-Lopez, Almudena
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.