Iron overload and low oxygen in pregnancy with beta-thalassemia
Official title: Pathological consequences of iron excess and hypoxia in β-thalassemia pregnancy
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11392553 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at how excess iron and low oxygen during pregnancy could affect mothers and babies in beta-thalassemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $649,606 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137863-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392553 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with beta-thalassemia who may become pregnant or are planning pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant individuals without beta-thalassemia or with well-managed iron levels may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project investigates how too much iron and reduced oxygen balance in the body influence pregnancy in people with beta-thalassemia, using a mouse model to mirror human biology. Researchers will study how iron overload, oxidative stress, and anemia change maternal health, the placenta, and fetal development, focusing on iron and oxygen pathways. The goal is to uncover molecular mechanisms that lead to growth problems and brain changes, with the hope of guiding safer pregnancies in beta-thalassemia patients. Findings could point to new approaches to protect both mother and baby during high-risk pregnancies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform strategies to reduce pregnancy complications and improve fetal growth and brain development in beta-thalassemia.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in thalassemia pregnancies in animal models has shown iron and oxygen imbalances affect development; this study extends those findings to clarify mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collins, James F. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Collins, James F.
Related research
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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.