How genes and everyday chemicals affect pancreatic serotonin and blood sugar in pregnancy
Gene-environment interaction in islet serotonin metabolism and impacts on maternal glucose homeostasis
This project looks at whether genes and exposure to chemicals change pancreatic serotonin and so influence blood sugar control in pregnant people at risk for gestational diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324969 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how genetic differences and exposure to chemicals like PFOA alter serotonin production in the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas during pregnancy. They will use mouse models and laboratory analysis of pancreatic tissue to measure serotonin, vitamin B6, and related changes in insulin secretion and beta cell growth. The team will relate these animal findings to human epidemiological data that link chemical exposure in pregnancy to blood sugar problems. Together this work aims to map how gene-environment interactions can lead to gestational diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be pregnant people, especially in mid-pregnancy or those with risk factors for gestational diabetes.
Not a fit: People who are not pregnant, or whose diabetes is type 1 or caused by unrelated conditions, may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat gestational diabetes by targeting serotonin pathways or reducing harmful chemical exposures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies and some epidemiological data have linked pancreatic serotonin and PFOA exposure to pregnancy blood sugar problems, but combining gene-environment analysis in this way is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Susiarjo, Martha — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Susiarjo, Martha
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.