Investigating how collagen and elastic fibers change in the cervix during pregnancy
Official title: Molecular and Mechanical Investigations to Define Collagen and Elastic Fiber Homeostasis in Cervical Remodeling During a Term and Preterm Pregnancy
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10930906 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the cervix changes during pregnancy to help prepare for childbirth, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how these changes might affect the risk of preterm birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $648,444 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113224-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930906 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals, particularly those at risk for preterm birth or with cervical dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have already experienced cervical incompetence without further risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the changes in the cervical extracellular matrix (ECM) that occur during pregnancy, which are crucial for preparing the cervix for childbirth. By examining the molecular pathways that regulate the balance between the synthesis and degradation of collagen and elastic fibers, the study aims to identify how these processes can affect cervical function and the risk of preterm birth. The research utilizes advanced mouse models to explore the mechanical properties of the cervix and how they evolve throughout pregnancy. Insights gained from this work could lead to better strategies for managing cervical health during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of cervical health, potentially reducing the risk of preterm birth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cervical mechanics and ECM dynamics, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mahendroo, Mala S. — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mahendroo, Mala S.
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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.