Targeting Ubiquitination to Improve Uterotonic Therapies in Postpartum Hemorrhage
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11442951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach aims to boost uterine contractions during childbirth and after delivery by understanding how a hormone receptor is regulated, potentially reducing postpartum hemorrhage risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $427,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD123143-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11442951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who experience labor induction or are at risk for postpartum hemorrhage could benefit from future applications stemming from this work.
✕Less likely to help
This grant is primarily preclinical; direct patient benefit would depend on subsequent clinical development.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a key hormone receptor in the uterus is controlled at the cellular level and whether modifying its regulation can improve responses to standard uterotonic therapies. By studying ubiquitination, the research seeks to prevent receptor degradation that weakens contractions during labor and after birth. The work involves laboratory studies focused on human-relevant pathways and may inform future clinical testing. If successful, these findings could lead to better, more reliable strategies to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to more effective uterotonic treatments and lower rates of postpartum hemorrhage.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown that receptor regulation can impact drug responsiveness in related systems, suggesting potential translational value.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frolova, Antonina I — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Frolova, Antonina I
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
-
Maternal Postpartum Monitoring with a Wearable Sensor (MOMS)
A wearable system called MOMS will continuously monitor multiple physiological signals in pregnant people to detect postpartum hemorrhage earlier than standard vital signs.
-
AI-powered real-time postpartum hemorrhage risk predictor in clinical care
A real-time AI tool integrated into electronic health records helps identify women at risk for postpartum hemorrhage so clinicians can intervene earlier.
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Personalized Postpartum Bleeding Risk Prediction with Machine Learning and Genetic Scores
This grant aims to create a personalized tool that predicts a mother’s risk of postpartum hemorrhage using machine learning and her genetic information.
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OPTIMUM OB-TXA: Timing, route, and dose of tranexamic acid to prevent postpartum bleeding before cord clamping
Aims to find the best time, method, and amount of tranexamic acid given before cord clamping to prevent postpartum hemorrhage in new mothers and protect babies.
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Simulation to strengthen obstetricians' hands-on skills for postpartum hemorrhage
A multicenter program uses realistic obstetric simulations to help OB attendings perform critical maneuvers like Bakri balloon placement and suturing techniques during postpartum hemorrhage.
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.