# REGULATION OF HUMAN PLACENTAL GROWTH BY IGFS

> **NIH NIH R29** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 1993 · $109,631

## Abstract

The primary function of the human placenta is to ensure an optimal
environment for fetal growth and development.  Essential to this
role is the programmed growth and development of the placenta.
Unfortunately, little is known regarding the mechanisms controlling
placental growth.  By isolating the different cellular elements of
the placenta, the secreted products of each that may bear on the
function of the other can be studied in a manner not possible with
whole placentae or complex mixtures of placental cell types.  The
proposed studies will develop and characterize a model system
whereby the molecular events and cellular interactions that
regulate placental growth will be explored and provide insight into
mechanisms important in normal fetal development.

The role of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II) in the
regulation of placental growth and function will be studied in
vitro, using cultured trophoblasts and fibroblasts derived from
human placentae at each trimester as a model system.  Each cell
type will be defined and characterized with respect to cell-
specific site(s) of IGF biosynthesis, IGF receptors, and production
of IGF specific binding proteins.  Humoral factors regulating IGF
synthesis and secretion will be examined with particular emphasis
on placental factors, i.e. chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and
placental lactogen (hPL).  The ability of IGFs to interact with
neighboring target cells will be studied in cells from each
trimester by examining IGF binding and biologic functions known to
be subject to IGF control, i.e. amino acid and glucose transport,
cell proliferation, and cell differentiation.  It is very likely
that the biologic effects of the IGFs on target cells charge during
gestation as a particular cell type differentiates during
programmed placental development.  The IGFs may also play a primary
role in inducing cytodifferentiation.  Recognizing this dynamic
aspect of placental growth and function will be essential to
understanding the factors regulating the expression of IGF
bioactivity in the developing placenta and the role it plays in
regulating placental growth.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2198737
- **Project number:** 7R29HD022993-05
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** L6NFUM28LQM5
- **Principal Investigator:** MICHAEL E. FANT
- **Activity code:** R29 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $109,631
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 1989-01-01 → 1994-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2198737

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2198737, REGULATION OF HUMAN PLACENTAL GROWTH BY IGFS (7R29HD022993-05). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2198737. Licensed CC0.

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