Understanding cervical changes related to preterm birth
Official title: Functional and Molecular Characterization of Epithelial Subtypes in Cervical Remodeling and Preterm Birth
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11009976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the cervix change during pregnancy and how those changes might affect the chances of having a baby too early, using samples from both mice and pregnant women to better understand cervical health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | March 24, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $626,998 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD110147-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women, particularly those at risk for preterm birth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have already experienced preterm birth may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific types of cells in the cervix change during pregnancy and how these changes may affect the risk of preterm birth. By examining cervical tissues from mice at various stages of pregnancy, researchers aim to identify cell populations that play a role in maintaining cervical health. They will also explore how hormones like progesterone and estrogen influence these cells and their functions. Additionally, the study will analyze cervico-vaginal fluid from pregnant women to assess markers that could indicate the health of cervical cells and the risk of preterm birth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for predicting and preventing preterm births.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cervical changes during pregnancy, but this specific approach using single cell analysis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mahendroo, Mala S. — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mahendroo, Mala S.
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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.