Understanding how diabetes affects brain and spinal cord development in babies
Dysregulated RNA metabolism in cell fate of maternal diabetes-induced neural tube defects
This project explores how changes in tiny genetic instructions, called RNA, during pregnancy with diabetes might lead to birth defects in a baby's brain and spine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194464 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that diabetes during pregnancy can cause birth defects like neural tube defects, which affect a baby's brain and spinal cord. This project aims to understand how specific genetic signals, called non-coding RNAs, are disrupted in pregnant mothers with diabetes, leading to these developmental issues. Researchers are looking at how certain molecules, like miR-322, RBM47, and NEAT1, influence the development of nerve cells and contribute to these defects. By learning how these signals go wrong, we hope to find ways to prevent these birth defects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for pregnant individuals with diabetes and their babies, particularly concerning the prevention of neural tube defects.
Not a fit: Patients not planning pregnancy or those without diabetes would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent neural tube defects in babies born to mothers with diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team and others has shown that cellular stress and RNA changes are involved in diabetic embryopathy, suggesting a foundation for this approach.
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.