How DNA instability in parents or embryos affects pregnancies differently for boys and girls
Mechanisms underlying sex-dependent pregnancy outcomes caused by fetal and maternal genomic instability
['FUNDING_R01'] · CORNELL UNIVERSITY · NIH-11166510
This project looks at how genetic instability in mothers or embryos can cause pregnancy loss or complications that affect male and female fetuses differently.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CORNELL UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ITHACA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166510 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you follow this work as a patient, you'll learn that researchers are using mouse models to mimic DNA instability in eggs and embryos to see why some pregnancies fail more often for one sex. They focus on the placenta and on inflammation at the mother-fetus interface, and study mutations in DNA replication and repair genes. The team compares outcomes when the mother also carries the same genetic instability to understand maternal–fetal interactions. They will examine hormonal effects like testosterone and the specific cells and signals that lead to lethal inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss or who have known genetic conditions affecting DNA repair or replication would be most likely to follow this research and consider future related trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose pregnancy problems are clearly caused by non-genetic factors such as uterine structural issues, nutrition, or acute infection may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to prevent sex-biased pregnancy loss by protecting the placenta or controlling harmful inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse studies by the investigators showed female-biased embryo loss linked to DNA repair mutations and inflammation, but translating these findings to human pregnancies is still new.
Where this research is happening
ITHACA, UNITED STATES
- CORNELL UNIVERSITY — ITHACA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHIMENTI, JOHN C — CORNELL UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SCHIMENTI, JOHN C
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.