Placental miRNAs and insulin sensitivity in pregnancy
Official title: Placental miRNAs paracrine and endocrine roles in insulin sensitivity in pregnancy
Funded at Tufts Medical Center · NIH-11377301 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores whether tiny molecules from the placenta help control how the mother’s body handles insulin during pregnancy, with potential implications for gestational diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $447,299 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD109206-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377301 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals in any trimester who may have or be at risk for insulin sensitivity changes and gestational diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant individuals without glucose metabolism concerns may not directly benefit beyond general knowledge.
What this research studies
Researchers will study placenta-produced microRNAs and how they relate to maternal glucose and insulin responses across all trimesters. They will use placenta tissue and blood samples, plus cellular models, to understand signaling pathways that connect placental factors with the mother’s metabolism. The study aims to identify mechanisms by which placental miRNAs influence insulin sensitivity, especially around the time of delivery. Findings could point to targets for improving glucose control in pregnancy and reducing complications for mother and baby.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new ways to monitor or improve insulin sensitivity during pregnancy, potentially lowering the risk of gestational diabetes and related complications.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have linked placental miRNAs to glucose metabolism regulation, but precise mechanisms remain to be clarified and validated.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'tierney-Ginn, Perrie F — Tufts Medical Center
- Study coordinator: O'tierney-Ginn, Perrie F
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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.