What makes the uterus start strong contractions at term
A novel molecular mechanism for stimulating uterine contractility by oxytocin
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11174269
This project explores whether two ion channels work together to control uterine muscle activity in people giving birth.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11174269 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you donate uterine tissue at delivery, researchers will study the muscle cells to learn how sodium and potassium channels change the cells' electrical charge and allow calcium to enter. They will use human myometrial cells and strips of uterine muscle, and apply genetic tools (including CRISPR) and channel-blocking drugs to change channel activity. Lab measurements of membrane voltage, calcium signaling, and muscle tension will show how manipulating the channel complex affects contractions. The goal is to link those cellular changes to the switch from a quiet uterus to the active contractions of labor.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are pregnant people (often those undergoing cesarean delivery) who can consent to donate uterine tissue at term for lab studies.
Not a fit: People who are not pregnant or who cannot/don't donate tissue, and patients whose labor issues arise from unrelated causes, are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or control preterm or overly strong labor by targeting these ion channels.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and tissue studies from the team show this channel complex influences uterine excitability and muscle tension, but clinical treatments based on it have not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ENGLAND, SARAH K. — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ENGLAND, SARAH K.
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.