IGF factors and binding proteins in gestational diabetes and fetal growth
Official title: Impact of insulin-like growth factors and binding proteins on gestational diabetes and fetal growth
Funded at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. · NIH-11295705 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at how placental IGF binding proteins may influence gestational diabetes and fetal growth, aiming to understand why some pregnancies are more risk-prone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Canton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 17, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $661,312 |
| NIH project number | 2R01HD094150-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11295705 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals at risk for gestational diabetes or with suspected placental IGF pathway involvement.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant individuals without IGF pathway involvement or those not eligible for the specific study methods may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
Pregnant people could benefit from clearer understanding of how insulin-like growth factors affect glucose control and fetal growth. The project builds on prior findings to test whether IGFBP1 and IGF2 in the placenta drive insulin resistance during pregnancy. Researchers will use human samples and animal models to explore causal roles and identify potential targets for precise therapies. The work seeks to translate lab findings into better management of gestational diabetes and healthier fetal development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to targeted therapies or better risk stratification for gestational diabetes and fetal growth issues.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests IGF axis plays a role in pregnancy metabolism, but causal links in humans are not yet established, making this approach promising but exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC.
Canton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hivert, Marie-France — Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, INC.
- Study coordinator: Hivert, Marie-France
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IGF factors and binding proteins in gestational diabetes and fetal growth
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In Vivo Look at Placental Blood Flow in Gestational Diabetes
A non-invasive MRI study in pregnant people with gestational diabetes and those without will map how placental blood vessels work and relate to baby outcomes.
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.