How placental mitochondria affect diabetes during pregnancy
Official title: Roles of Placental Mitochondria in the Vicious Cycle of Diabetes and Pregnancy
Funded at Howard University · NIH-10849522 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the health of tiny energy factories in the placenta might affect pregnant women with gestational diabetes and how it could influence their children's risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on, by focusing on a specific protein called BNIP3.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Howard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $154,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R16HD116702-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10849522 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women, particularly those with a history of gestational diabetes or metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without any metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of placental mitochondria in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its potential to predispose offspring to type 2 diabetes. By studying the function of a specific protein, BNIP3, in placental cells, the researchers aim to understand how mitochondrial health impacts maternal metabolism during pregnancy. The study will involve both human samples and animal models to explore the mechanisms behind these metabolic changes and their long-term effects on children born to mothers with GDM.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing diabetes in pregnant women and their children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the role of placental health in metabolic diseases can lead to significant advancements in maternal and child health.
Where this research is happening
-
Howard University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Haijun — Howard University
- Study coordinator: Gao, Haijun
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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.