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The neural basis of thermoregulatory adaptations during pregnancy

Award Number: K99HD120648
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2028

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The neural basis of thermoregulatory adaptations during pregnancy - PROJECT SUMMARY Tight control of the maternal thermoregulatory system protects fetal development from excess heat, which increases the risk of pre-term labor and stillbirth. To dissipate heat from the placenta, many pregnant mammals exhibit a lowering of core body temperature (Tc). However, the mechanisms underlying maternal decreases in core temperature remain unclear. The goal of this proposal is to identify the neural processes underlying thermoregulatory changes in pregnant mammals. Estrogen administration lowers Tc, and interestingly, estrogen levels rise during pregnancy. The medial preoptic area (MPO) contains estrogen-sensitive, warm-responsive neurons that decrease Tc when activated. Thus, this proposal tests the central hypothesis that thermoregulatory changes during pregnancy are coordinated by estrogen receptor (ER)  expressing neurons in the MPO. During the K99 phase, the candidate will receive specialized training in miniaturized microscopy to monitor the calcium activity of individual MPO neurons throughout pregnancy. This training will be conducted under the supervision of Drs. Avishek Adhikari and Weizhe Hong at the University of California Los Angeles, both renowned experts in this technique. Aim 1 tests the hypothesis that MPO ER neurons exhibit increased neural activity during pregnancy, and Aim 2 tests the hypothesis that MPO ER neuron activity is required to lower Tc in pregnant mice. Gestation length and pup development will be compared between control and experimental (Tc-elevated) dams. For the independent R00 phase, the candidate will focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying enhanced thermoregulation in pregnant mammals, including humans. Aim 3 tests the hypothesis that estrogen sensitive MPO neurons encode heat exposure and mediate protective cooling mechanisms that safeguard fetal development. Pup health will be compared in mice exposed to heat with and without MPO ER neuron function. This may inform interventions that improve maternal-fetal outcomes in global populations that experience heat extremes. The proposed research aligns with the priority areas outlined in the 2025 Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) strategic plan, specifically exploring how prenatal environmental insults influence development (see Goal 1) and understanding the role of environmental and maternal factors that improve long-term outcomes in pre-term offspring (see Goal 2). The proposed work will begin to uncover how pregnancy dynamically impacts neural activity tied to maternal physiological adaptations. By combining advanced calcium imaging training with her expertise in neuroendocrinology, the candidate will be uniquely positioned to lead research uncovering the neural and physiological mechanisms that support maternal-fetal health.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $123,876 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES	10889 WILSHIRE BLVD STE 700	LOS ANGELES	CA	90024	LOS ANGELES	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	1	8/21/2026	NEW	$123,876
														Subtotal = $123,876

Grand Total All Awards = $123,876

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The neural basis of thermoregulatory adaptations during pregnancy

Award Number: K99HD120648

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2028

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