Understanding how sex influences changes in placenta development after assisted reproduction
Project 3: The role of sex in ART-associated changes in trophoblast behavior and epigenetics
This research explores why male and female fetuses might respond differently to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) by looking at how sex affects the placenta.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194375 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
During pregnancy, male and female fetuses show differences in how their placentas develop and function, and they can also have different risks for certain problems around birth. We've noticed that male fetuses might be more sensitive to changes caused by assisted reproductive technologies (ART), which can affect their placenta's genes and how it works. This project uses advanced lab models to study how sex chromosomes and hormones influence the placenta's early development and how it responds to ART, aiming to understand these differences better.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to individuals considering or undergoing assisted reproductive technologies, particularly those concerned about sex-specific outcomes in pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing assisted reproductive technologies or those whose pregnancies are not affected by sex-specific placental differences may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand why ART might affect male and female fetuses differently, potentially leading to improved ART methods and better outcomes for babies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous findings by this team and others have already shown sex-specific differences in pregnancy outcomes and placental responses to ART, providing a foundation for this work.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mainigi, Monica Ailawadi — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Mainigi, Monica Ailawadi
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.