# Integrated Transporter Elucidation Center

> **NIH NIH UC2** · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · 2024 · $1,055,800

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Given their physiochemical properties, medications and dietary supplements often require active transport using
solute carriers (SLC) and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters to cross trophoblast barriers. These same
transporters are also involved in the delivery of nutrients to the fetus and one unintentional consequence of drug
therapy during pregnancy can be disruption of these shared systems. Therefore, understanding the interplay
between SLC and ABC transporters in the placental disposition of drugs and nutrients is one key step to optimizing
therapeutic interventions that improve perinatal healthcare. Our research team has championed the advancement
of novel approaches to study SLC and ABC transporters in the placenta. To expand these efforts, we have created
the Integrated Transporter Elucidation Center (InTEC) which leverages translational research expertise across 4
academic institutions. Our central hypothesis is that novel regulation and functions of placental transporters
can be elucidated using integrated experimental, epidemiological, and modeling approaches. Together,
data and models generated can predict the placental disposition of therapeutics and nutrients and their
subsequent effects on fetal development. To accomplish this goal, we will 1) identify critical factors that regulate
placental transporters using state-of-the-art quantitative targeted absolute proteomics and genetics in a US-based
birth cohort; 2) develop a novel computational modeling framework that predicts maternal-fetal chemical disposition
according to placental transporter functions and regulation; and 3) evaluate SLC and ABC transport in novel
placenta-on-a-chip microphysiological systems. We will test nutrients, supplements, drugs, and toxicants as
substrates and inhibitors of placental transporters. InTEC will enable rapid acceleration of placenta transporter
research and establish best practices for transporter biology. Resources and datasets will be disseminated via our
CIIPro webportal created in 2017. Unique training opportunities will be provided to early career scientists
(undergraduate students, MS/MPH/PhD students, and postdoc fellows) and clinicians (obstetrics residents and
fellows) at the intersections of pharmacology, computational biology, public health, maternal-fetal medicine, and
biomedical engineering. Through innovative research and training, InTEC will lead to novel breakthroughs in the
field of placental transport and ensure a well-trained workforce to improve maternal and perinatal health.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10929428
- **Project number:** 5UC2HD113039-02
- **Recipient organization:** RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Lauren M Aleksunes
- **Activity code:** UC2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,055,800
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-14 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10929428

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10929428, Integrated Transporter Elucidation Center (5UC2HD113039-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10929428. Licensed CC0.

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