Understanding heart defects in babies born to mothers with diabetes
Heightened hypoxia and DNA methylation in heart defects of diabetic embryopathy
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11145197
This work explores how high sugar levels during pregnancy might lead to heart problems in babies by affecting oxygen levels and genetic changes in the developing heart.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11145197 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are looking into why babies born to mothers with diabetes sometimes have heart defects. Our focus is on how maternal diabetes can cause low oxygen levels in the developing baby's heart, which then triggers specific changes in the baby's DNA. These DNA changes, called hypermethylation, are linked to severe heart conditions like hypoplastic left heart syndrome. By understanding this process, we hope to find ways to prevent these heart defects from forming.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is relevant to pregnant individuals with diabetes and their developing fetuses, particularly those at risk for congenital heart defects.
Not a fit: Patients without a history of maternal diabetes or congenital heart defects would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat congenital heart defects in babies born to mothers with diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked hypoxia and DNA methylation to various human diseases, and DNA hypermethylation is already implicated in some congenital heart defects.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YANG, PEIXIN — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- Study coordinator: YANG, PEIXIN
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.