Stretch-Activated Signaling in the Human Uterus to Help Prevent Preterm Birth
Official title: Stretch-Activated Signaling in Human Myometrium to Prevent Preterm Birth
Funded at University of Nevada Reno · NIH-11285017 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A science team is studying how the human uterus relaxes in order to delay or prevent preterm birth, with a focus on making therapies safer and more effective for pregnant people, especially African American communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Reno NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Reno, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $609,718 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD117973-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11285017 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant people at risk for preterm birth, particularly those in populations with higher PTB rates.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not at risk for preterm birth or who do not carry the specific myometrial signaling characteristics studied may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at stretch-activated signaling in the human myometrium to understand why current tocolytics often fail and to identify new approaches to prevent preterm birth. Researchers will study how the uterine smooth muscle responds to stretching and how this could be targeted to maintain pregnancy safely. The work uses human tissue and relevant models to uncover signaling pathways that could lead to better, more reliable tocolytic strategies. By focusing on unique myometrial biology, the study aims to reduce disparities in preterm birth outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to safer and more effective ways to prevent preterm birth, potentially reducing complications for newborns and improving maternal health.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies have explored myometrial signaling and tocolytics, but this project seeks novel, human-specific pathways that could offer improved outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barnett, Scott Danielson — University of Nevada Reno
- Study coordinator: Barnett, Scott Danielson
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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.