How maternal diabetes affects heart defects in embryos

Heightened hypoxia and DNA methylation in heart defects of diabetic embryopathy

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-10895575

This study is looking at how diabetes in pregnant women might lead to heart problems in their babies, and it aims to find ways to prevent these issues by understanding how diabetes affects heart cell development.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10895575 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between maternal diabetes and congenital heart defects (CHDs) in developing embryos. It focuses on how diabetes-induced hypoxia and changes in DNA methylation contribute to the formation of these defects. By studying cardiac progenitor cells from both mouse models and human stem cells, the research aims to understand the underlying mechanisms and explore potential interventions to prevent CHDs. The approach includes blocking specific pathways that lead to DNA hypermethylation to improve heart development.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women with diabetes who are at risk of having babies with congenital heart defects.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have diabetes or are not pregnant may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing congenital heart defects in infants born to diabetic mothers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of hypoxia and DNA methylation in congenital heart defects, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.