How serotonin affects blood sugar control during pregnancy
Official title: Gene-environment interaction in islet serotonin metabolism and impacts on maternal glucose homeostasis
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11085094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how serotonin affects blood sugar levels in pregnant women and how things in our environment might change serotonin production, which could help us understand gestational diabetes better and find ways to support moms and their babies.
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 start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $488,647 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135734-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women, particularly those in their second trimester, who may be at risk for gestational diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have a prior diagnosis of diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of serotonin in regulating blood sugar levels in pregnant women, particularly focusing on how environmental factors like certain chemicals can impact serotonin production in the pancreas. By studying mice, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind gestational diabetes, a condition that affects many pregnant women and can lead to serious health issues for both mother and child. The study will explore how dietary and genetic factors influence serotonin levels and how this relates to glucose metabolism during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for gestational diabetes, improving health outcomes for mothers and their babies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the role of serotonin in glucose metabolism, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Susiarjo, Martha — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Susiarjo, Martha
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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.