Understanding how gut bacteria from undernourished mothers affect blood vessel development during pregnancy
Official title: Modeling the effects of the gut microbiota of undernourished mothers with environmental enteric dysfunction on vascular remodeling at the fetal-placental interface
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11077672 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the gut bacteria from mothers who are not getting enough nutrients can affect the growth of blood vessels in their babies during pregnancy, especially for women facing challenges with nutrient absorption, to help us understand how a mother's health can impact her baby's development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HD115307-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077672 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women with a history of undernutrition or environmental enteric dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are well-nourished and do not have any gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of gut microbiota from undernourished mothers on the development of blood vessels at the fetal-placental interface. By using specialized mouse models, the study aims to understand how maternal gut bacteria influence vascular remodeling and immune responses during pregnancy. The research focuses on women with environmental enteric dysfunction, a condition that affects nutrient absorption and may lead to complications in fetal development. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms linking maternal health and fetal growth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved maternal and fetal health outcomes by identifying ways to mitigate the effects of maternal undernutrition.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that gut microbiota can significantly influence health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coskun, Reyan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Coskun, Reyan
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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.