How chemical exposures can disturb the placenta's internal clock
Chemical exposure disruption of the placental circadian clock
This project looks at whether common environmental chemicals disrupt the placenta's daily rhythms and how that may affect pregnant people and their 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 ID | NIH-11307629 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research uses laboratory models and human-derived placental tissue to see how pesticide mixtures and other chemicals change the placenta's molecular clock. Scientists will measure clock genes and EGF/EGFR signaling, use CRISPR to modify key molecules, and observe effects on cell movement and other placental functions. The team will expose placental cells and tissues to chemical mixtures similar to environmental exposures to map how those changes could link to problems like preeclampsia or growth restriction. Work is based in a university lab and may include analysis of donated placental samples or human cell lines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant people or those planning pregnancy, especially individuals with known environmental or pesticide exposures or at risk for placental-related complications, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People who are not pregnant and whose health issues are unrelated to pregnancy or placental function are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal mechanisms by which chemical exposures raise risks for preeclampsia, preterm birth, and fetal growth problems, guiding prevention or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies support roles for placental clock genes and EGF signaling, but linking real-world chemical exposures to these pathways is a relatively new area still being developed.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- 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 below.