How diabetes affects neural tube development in embryos

Intersection of the mTOR/p70S6K1 signaling and the HIPPO-Yap tissue organizer in neurulation and diabetic embryopathy

NIH-funded research University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10986091

This study is looking at how diabetes before pregnancy can cause problems in a baby's spine and brain development, and it aims to find ways to prevent these issues by exploring how certain cell growth signals work together.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10986091 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which pregestational diabetes leads to neural tube defects (NTDs) in embryos. It focuses on the interaction between two critical signaling pathways, mTOR/p70S6K1 and HIPPO-Yap, which are involved in cell growth and development. By studying these pathways, the research aims to identify potential intervention targets that could help prevent birth defects in children born to mothers with diabetes. The approach includes genetic manipulation and pharmacological interventions to understand how these pathways contribute to NTD formation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women of reproductive age with pregestational diabetes who are planning to conceive or are currently pregnant.

Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or those who are not of reproductive age may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing birth defects in infants born to mothers with diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding the role of signaling pathways in developmental defects, making this approach promising yet still novel in the context of diabetes-induced NTDs.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.