Investigating how fetal growth affects liver and kidney development and the potential of gene therapy.
Official title: Developmental Programming of the Liver and Kidney in Fetal Growth with or without Gene Therapy
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10887542 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how helping the placenta during pregnancy can support healthy growth in babies, which might prevent future health problems like obesity and diabetes, and it could offer useful information for parents and healthcare providers about early interventions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 14, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $87,788 |
| NIH project number | 5K99HD109458-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887542 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals at risk of fetal growth restriction and their offspring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those whose pregnancies are not at risk for fetal growth restriction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how restricted growth during pregnancy can lead to long-term health issues like obesity and diabetes in children and adults. It explores the use of a special nanoparticle for gene therapy that targets the placenta to enhance the expression of growth factors that are crucial for healthy fetal development. By improving nutrient transport and growth factor levels in the placenta, the study aims to mitigate the risks associated with fetal growth restriction. Patients may benefit from insights into how early interventions can prevent future health complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing serious health conditions linked to poor fetal growth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using gene therapy approaches for similar conditions, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Rebecca L — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Rebecca L
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.