Understanding how METTL3 affects placenta development during pregnancy
Official title: Deciphering the role of METTL3 in Mammalian Placenta Development and Maintenance Across Pregnancy
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11162528 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special enzyme called METTL3 affects the growth and health of the placenta during pregnancy, which is important for preventing issues like growth problems in the baby and high blood pressure in moms, and it could help find new ways to support healthier pregnancies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $524,503 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113673-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162528 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals or those planning to conceive, particularly those with a history of pregnancy complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not plan to become pregnant may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of METTL3, a specific enzyme, in the development and maintenance of the placenta during pregnancy. By studying mutant mouse models and human trophoblast cells, the researchers aim to uncover how METTL3 influences the growth and function of placental cells, which are crucial for a healthy pregnancy. The study focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind placental dysfunction that can lead to complications such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia. Insights gained from this research could help identify new therapeutic targets for improving pregnancy outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for pregnancy-related disorders, improving outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that targeting molecular mechanisms in placental development can lead to significant advancements in understanding pregnancy complications, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paul, Soumen — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Paul, Soumen
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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.