Understanding how pregnancy adapts to low oxygen levels
Official title: The physiological and genetic basis of gestational adaptations to hypoxia
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-11124039 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels during pregnancy can impact the placenta and the growth of the baby, especially in people who live at high altitudes, to better understand how to protect against potential problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $603,919 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD114615-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124039 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals experiencing complications related to low oxygen levels, particularly those living in high-altitude environments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without any complications related to hypoxia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how low oxygen levels during pregnancy affect placental development and fetal growth. By examining the physiological and genetic responses of placental cells to hypoxia, the study aims to identify the mechanisms that contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques like single-nuclei RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression in specific cell types within the placenta. This approach will help uncover the shared biological processes that protect against the negative impacts of hypoxia, particularly in populations adapted to high altitudes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of pregnancy complications related to low oxygen levels.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding physiological adaptations to hypoxia in other species, suggesting potential for similar findings in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilsterman, Kathryn — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Wilsterman, Kathryn
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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.