Investigating how exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy affects placental function and birth timing
Official title: Assessing how Prenatal Phthalate Exposure Disrupts Placental Transcriptional Regulation and Contributes to Changes in Gestational Length
Funded at Seattle Children's Hospital · NIH-10975041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to certain chemicals during pregnancy might affect the placenta and lead to early births, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how our environment can impact pregnancy health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | January 11, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $675,801 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES033785-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who have been exposed to phthalates and are at risk for spontaneous preterm birth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have no history of exposure to phthalates may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how prenatal exposure to phthalates, which are common environmental chemicals, impacts the placenta and may lead to spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). By analyzing a large dataset of placental samples, the study aims to identify specific molecular changes that occur due to these exposures. The researchers will also explore the role of microRNAs as potential biomarkers for assessing risk and developing interventions. This work seeks to provide insights into how environmental factors can influence pregnancy outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing preterm births and enhancing maternal and neonatal health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in linking environmental exposures to pregnancy outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paquette, Alison Genevieve — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Paquette, Alison Genevieve
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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.