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Biologic Mechanisms of Labor Dysfunction: A Systems Biology Approach

Award Number: R01NR019254
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NURSING RESEARCH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/27/2021
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2026

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Biologic Mechanisms of Labor Dysfunction: A Systems Biology Approach - Enter the text here that is the new abstract information for your application. This section must be no longer than 30 lines of text. Maternal mortality in the United States continues to rise, exceeding rates in most other developed nations. Dysfunctional labor is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly among individuals with elevated body mass index (BMI > 30 kg/m²). These individuals face higher rates of unplanned cesarean delivery, often due to delayed initiation or progression of labor. Current research suggests that lipotoxicity—a metabolic condition resulting from excess free fatty acid deposition in non-adipose tissues—may impair uterine contractility and coordination. However, BMI is a limited predictor of lipotoxicity, and knowledge gaps remain regarding the mechanisms linking metabolic dysfunction to labor outcomes across a range of BMI scores. We will recruit 200 individuals in early pregnancy who intend to give birth in a community-based care setting characterized by minimal routine medical intervention and expanded prenatal education. After delivery, a structured chart review of term, healthy singleton births will identify cases and controls for comparative analysis. Lipidomic features will then be compared between groups to identify predictive biomarkers of labor dysfunction. The proposed study will apply a systems biology approach to investigate the development of metabolic and lipid perturbations throughout pregnancy and determine the extent to which lipotoxicity contributes to labor dysfunction (Aim 1), then examine associations between labor dysfunction-associated lipid profiles and clinical measures (adipose hormone levels or body fat percentage), pregnancy behaviors (nutrition and physical activity) (Aim 2), or prenatal care setting, using data from an existing cohort of similar individuals who received care in a nearby hospital system (Aim 3). This research leverages advanced omics technologies and a multidisciplinary team to address a critical gap in maternal health. Findings from this work are expected to advance early detection, targeted intervention, and potential prevention strategies for labor dysfunction, contributing to improved maternal outcomes.


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: 2025 ( Subtotal = $391,250 )
2025	2025	EMORY UNIVERSITY	201 DOWMAN DR NE	ATLANTA	GA	30322	DEKALB	USA	Nursing Research	000	5	6/26/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$391,250
														Subtotal = $391,250

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $388,228 )
2024	2024	EMORY UNIVERSITY	201 DOWMAN DR NE	ATLANTA	GA	30322	DEKALB	USA	Nursing Research	000	4	5/15/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$388,228
														Subtotal = $388,228

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $388,502 )
2023	2023	EMORY UNIVERSITY	201 DOWMAN DR	ATLANTA	GA	30322	DEKALB	USA	Nursing Research	000	3	5/24/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$388,502
														Subtotal = $388,502

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $388,752 )
2022	2022	EMORY UNIVERSITY	201 DOWMAN DR	ATLANTA	GA	30322	DEKALB	USA	Nursing Research	000	2	5/24/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$388,752
														Subtotal = $388,752

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $385,589 )
2021	2021	EMORY UNIVERSITY	201 DOWMAN DR	ATLANTA	GA	30322	DEKALB	USA	Nursing Research	000	1	8/27/2021	NEW	$385,589
														Subtotal = $385,589

Grand Total All Awards = $1,942,321

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Biologic Mechanisms of Labor Dysfunction: A Systems Biology Approach

Award Number: R01NR019254

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NURSING RESEARCH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/27/2021

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2026

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