Using light and chemicals to improve blood flow in the uterus
Official title: Optogenetic and chemogenetic regulation of uterine vascular function
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10785667 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to improve blood flow in the uterus to help prevent problems with baby growth during pregnancy, using special techniques that involve light and chemicals to see how we can make blood vessels work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $429,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD113796-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10785667 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals at risk of fetal growth restriction or those with a history of complications related to uterine blood flow.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without any history of fetal growth restriction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance blood flow in the uterus to prevent fetal growth restriction (FGR), which can lead to serious health issues for newborns. By employing advanced techniques called optogenetics and chemogenetics, the researchers aim to manipulate uterine blood flow in live animal models. This approach involves using light to activate specific cells and chemicals to stimulate blood vessels, potentially improving outcomes for pregnancies affected by FGR. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate uterine vascular function during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve fetal growth and reduce the risks of stillbirth and neonatal complications.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of optogenetics and chemogenetics in vascular research is innovative, similar approaches have shown promise in other areas of biomedical research, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lorca, Ramon a — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Lorca, Ramon a
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.