Investigating genetic factors related to stillbirth
Official title: Inherited and de novo genetic variants relevant to familial, recurrent and sporadic stillbirth
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11095970 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the genetic reasons behind stillbirths to help families understand what might have happened and to find ways to prevent it in the future, by analyzing DNA from parents and their stillborn babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $630,772 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112836-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095970 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include families who have experienced stillbirth, particularly those with a history of recurrent stillbirths or unexplained cases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced stillbirth or have no family history of the condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the genetic causes of stillbirth, which affects many families worldwide. By analyzing DNA from parents and their stillborn children, the study aims to identify inherited and new genetic variants that may contribute to this tragic outcome. The approach includes advanced techniques like whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing to uncover potential genetic abnormalities. The goal is to provide insights that could help prevent future stillbirths and improve care for affected families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of stillbirth, ultimately reducing its occurrence and the emotional burden on families.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying genetic factors related to stillbirth, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Workalemahu, Tsegaselassie — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Workalemahu, Tsegaselassie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Stillbirth Data Hub: Coordinating Center for Big-Data and AI in Stillbirth Research
A national data hub is being built to coordinate data, biorepository, and analytics for stillbirth research using advanced AI and machine learning.
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Genetic roots of stillbirth and developmental disorders
A genetic study from Massachusetts General Hospital will look for inherited and new DNA changes that contribute to stillbirth and related developmental disorders in families.
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Innovative Data Core for Stillbirth Research Center
A data and software core is being built to harmonize and analyze information from multiple sites to uncover why stillbirth happens and to support future prevention.
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Administrative Core for Stillbirth Research Coordinating Center
A coordination core is being funded to organize and manage data, collaborations, and administration to help stillbirth research move forward.
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Stillbirth Data Coordinating Center focusing on AI-powered insights
A national data hub is using advanced AI and machine learning to analyze stillbirth data and help researchers find patterns that could prevent or understand stillbirth.
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NOURISH: nutrition and health factors linked to pregnancy outcomes and stillbirth risk
Aimed at understanding how nutrition and stress-related health factors affect placental function to prevent stillbirths in pregnancies.
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.