How high altitude affects fetal growth through blood flow signaling
Official title: Novel roles of purinergic signaling for altitude-associated fetal growth restriction
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11171322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being at high altitudes affects the growth of babies during pregnancy by checking the blood of moms and their babies to see how certain substances change, which could help us find ways to keep babies healthy in those conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 5, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD111908-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11171322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals living at high altitudes who may be at risk for fetal growth restriction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those living at low altitudes are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how high-altitude conditions impact fetal growth by examining the role of purinergic signaling in blood flow regulation. Researchers will analyze maternal and fetal blood samples to identify differences in nucleotide metabolites at high altitudes compared to lower altitudes. The study aims to understand how these metabolites influence blood vessel behavior, particularly in the uterus and placenta, which are crucial for fetal development. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover potential interventions to improve fetal health in high-altitude pregnancies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing fetal growth restriction in pregnancies at high altitudes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding metabolic responses to hypoxia can lead to significant insights in fetal health, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Julian, Colleen Glyde — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Julian, Colleen Glyde
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.