Investigating how specific genes in the placenta affect fetal growth.
Official title: Development of approaches for inducible trophoblast-specific gene modulation: the role of trophoblast Lat1 in the regulation of placental function and fetal growth
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11010803 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called LAT1 in the placenta that helps deliver important nutrients to babies during pregnancy, and it aims to find out if adjusting the levels of this protein can help prevent problems with baby growth, which could lead to healthier pregnancies for moms and their little ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $648,757 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD105701-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010803 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals experiencing complications related to fetal growth, such as IUGR or excessive fetal growth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those whose pregnancies are progressing normally may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein, LAT1, in the placenta that is crucial for transporting essential nutrients to the developing fetus. By developing methods to control the expression of this protein at different stages of pregnancy in mice, the researchers aim to uncover how changes in LAT1 affect fetal growth and placental function. The study will explore whether restoring normal levels of LAT1 can prevent complications associated with abnormal fetal growth, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or excessive growth. This could lead to new insights into managing pregnancy complications and improving outcomes for mothers and babies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating fetal growth abnormalities during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting specific genes in animal models can yield significant insights into fetal development, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jansson, Thomas — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Jansson, Thomas
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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.