Role of BCAR4 lncRNA in placental cell differentiation
Official title: Role of the lncRNA BCAR4 in Trophoblast Differentiation
Funded at Iowa State University · NIH-11465210 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH grant is funding research into how a placenta-specific RNA, BCAR4, helps placental cells mature properly during pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ames, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $415,603 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD123893-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11465210 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients or samples involving placenta tissue or trophoblast biology, particularly those with interest in placental development or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without placental biology relevance or with unrelated conditions may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will study BCAR4, a long non-coding RNA, to understand how it influences the differentiation of trophoblast cells in the placenta. Researchers will use human placental cell models to see how BCAR4 interacts with other molecules and what pathways it controls. The goal is to establish foundational knowledge about BCAR4’s role so scientists can consider how it affects placental development and pregnancy health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new mechanisms of placental development that may inform future therapies for placental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: There is emerging evidence that lncRNAs regulate cell differentiation, suggesting potential for similar roles for BCAR4 in the placenta.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa State University
Ames, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tuteja, Geetu — Iowa State University
- Study coordinator: Tuteja, Geetu
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.