Understanding how maternal obesity affects a baby's future health
Maternal obesity, AMPK and Developmental Programming
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11143043
This work explores how a mother's weight during pregnancy might change a baby's developing muscles and fat tissue, potentially leading to obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PULLMAN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11143043 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many pregnant women are overweight or obese, which can impact their baby's development and increase their risk for conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. We are looking into the specific ways maternal obesity affects a key enzyme called AMPK in the baby's developing muscle and fat. Our previous findings suggest that maternal obesity can lead to early scarring and fat buildup in these tissues, affecting how they work. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, we aim to understand these changes at a very early stage of development. This helps us uncover the root causes of these metabolic issues that begin before birth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work does not directly involve patient participation but focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms relevant to pregnant women and their offspring at risk for metabolic conditions.
Not a fit: Patients not currently pregnant or those whose children are already adults with established metabolic conditions may not directly benefit from this specific mechanistic work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes in children whose mothers were overweight or obese during pregnancy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that maternal health during pregnancy significantly impacts offspring health, and this work builds on those findings by exploring specific molecular mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
PULLMAN, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY — PULLMAN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DU, MIN — WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DU, MIN
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus