Understanding how serotonin in the placenta affects fetal brain development
Official title: Characterizing the Placenta-Brain Axis in Transgenic Mice Lacking Serotonin Transporter (SERT) in Trophoblast Cells
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11056594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how serotonin in the placenta might affect the development of a baby's brain, using special mice to see what happens when serotonin transport is disrupted, and it could help us understand how things like medications and chemicals in the environment might impact pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | April 9, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $156,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD114968-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals or those planning to become pregnant, particularly those with concerns about serotonin-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not plan to become pregnant may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of serotonin in the placenta and its potential effects on fetal brain development. By studying transgenic mice that lack the serotonin transporter in trophoblast cells, researchers aim to uncover how serotonin influences placental function and fetal health. The study will explore the mechanisms by which serotonin is transported and its paracrine actions within the placenta, particularly focusing on how disruptions in serotonin levels may lead to complications in fetal development. This research could provide insights into the impact of external factors, such as medications and environmental chemicals, on pregnancy outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of how placental serotonin affects fetal brain development, potentially informing better prenatal care and interventions.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that understanding the placenta's role in fetal development can lead to significant advancements in maternal and child health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenfeld, Cheryl Susan — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Rosenfeld, Cheryl Susan
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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.