Understanding how glucose levels affect the development of the brain in embryos
Official title: Investigating the relationship between embryonic glucose homeostasis and neural tube closure
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11165551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sugar levels in pregnant women can affect the development of their baby's brain and spine, especially focusing on a protein that might help us understand why some pregnancies are at risk for serious issues like neural tube defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,798 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HD118805-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11165551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals, particularly those with diabetes or a family history of neural tube defects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not have a risk factor for neural tube defects may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how glucose homeostasis in embryos relates to the closure of the neural tube, which is crucial for proper brain development. It focuses on the role of a specific protein, Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 (IRS-1), and its interaction with maternal diabetes, which can elevate glucose levels during pregnancy. By studying these relationships, the research aims to improve the identification of pregnancies at risk for neural tube defects (NTDs), which can lead to serious complications for the child. The methodology includes analyzing genetic mutations and glucose responses in embryos to better understand the underlying mechanisms of NTDs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved screening and prevention strategies for neural tube defects in pregnancies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic factors contributing to neural tube defects, making this investigation a valuable continuation of that work.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fandel, Joshua Yoshioka — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Fandel, Joshua Yoshioka
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.