Understanding liver disease mechanisms in growth-restricted fetuses
Official title: Intrauterine mechanisms for liver metabolic disease in the growth-restricted fetus
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10995902 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being small in the womb can affect liver growth and increase the chances of liver problems later in life, using fetal sheep to understand how low oxygen levels can harm the liver, which could help find ways to protect babies born with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 10, 2024 |
| Project end | March 9, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 1F32DK139657-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995902 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children who were born with fetal growth restriction and are at risk for liver metabolic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of fetal growth restriction or related liver conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects liver development and increases the risk of metabolic liver diseases later in life. By studying fetal sheep, the researchers aim to uncover the role of oxidative stress in promoting liver fibrosis, a condition that can lead to serious health issues. The study will focus on identifying specific cellular changes in the liver that occur due to reduced oxygen levels during fetal development. This knowledge could help in developing preventive strategies for children born with FGR.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of liver diseases in children born with growth restrictions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that oxidative stress contributes to liver fibrosis in animal models, indicating a potential for success in this area of research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcguckin, Molly — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Mcguckin, Molly
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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.