Understanding how fats in the placenta help baby's brain grow
Novel Roles for Phospholipids in Regulating Placental Function and in the Delivery of DHA to the Fetal Brain.
This research explores how the placenta handles fats to ensure a baby's healthy growth and brain development, especially when pregnancy complications arise.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127617 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We want to understand how the placenta transfers important fats from a mother to her baby, which is crucial for the baby's growth and brain development. Many pregnancy issues, like restricted growth or maternal diabetes, can affect how a baby gets these fats, potentially leading to health problems later on. Our work focuses on the placenta's special cells, called syncytiotrophoblasts, to see how they process and deliver these essential fats, including DHA, to the baby. By learning more about these processes, we hope to find ways to support healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for babies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to pregnant individuals, especially those experiencing complications like intrauterine growth restriction or maternal diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients not currently pregnant or those without pregnancy complications related to fetal growth and brain development may 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 pregnancy complications that affect fetal growth and brain development.
How similar studies have performed: While the exact mechanisms are largely unknown, emerging evidence suggests altered placental lipid metabolism is linked to pregnancy complications, providing a foundation for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Powell, Theresa L — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Powell, Theresa L
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.