Understanding a Gene's Role in Diabetes Risk for Pregnant American Samoan Women
CREBRF and risk of pregnancy and postpartum dysglycemia in American Samoan women
This project looks at how a specific gene might protect American Samoan women from developing diabetes during and after pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195056 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many American Samoan women experience diabetes during pregnancy, which increases their risk for Type 2 diabetes later. Our team found a gene variant, called CREBRF, that is common in Pacific Islanders and seems to protect against Type 2 diabetes, even though it's linked to higher body weight. We want to understand if this gene also protects against diabetes during pregnancy and how it works, possibly by improving how the body uses insulin. To do this, we will follow pregnant American Samoan women from early pregnancy until 18 months after birth, collecting information at several visits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant American Samoan women in their first trimester who are willing to participate in follow-up visits through 18 months postpartum.
Not a fit: Patients who are not American Samoan or are not pregnant would not directly benefit from participating in this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to screen, treat, and prevent diabetes in pregnant American Samoan women and other Pacific Islander communities.
How similar studies have performed: While the CREBRF variant has been linked to diabetes protection in other studies, its specific impact on gestational and postpartum diabetes and its exact mechanism are still being explored in this new work.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hawley, Nicola — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Hawley, Nicola
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 below.