# Molecular and Mechanical Investigations to Define Collagen and Elastic Fiber Homeostasis in Cervical Remodeling During a Term and Preterm Pregnancy

> **NIH NIH R01** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2024 · $648,444

## Abstract

Abstract
The remodeling of the cervix to prepare for birth begins early in pregnancy and is orchestrated by a precisely
timed change in the structure and mechanical function of the cervical extracellular matrix (ECM). Understanding
the molecular pathways that alter the ECM in pregnancy while maintaining a synthesis and degradation
equilibrium is necessary to discern cervical function and how it mechanically protects the fetus. More importantly,
it is critical to determine when and how these cervical ECM synthesis and degradation processes are perturbed,
which compromise cervical mechanical function and creates a risk for preterm birth. Our groups prior work
provides evidence 1) of rapid collagen turnover rates in both nonpregnant and pregnant cervix 2) dysfunctional
cervical extracellular matrix leads to disrupted cervical biomechanical function in novel mouse models 3) cervical
mechanical properties evolve in distinct stages in concert with shifts in ECM structure and 4) mouse models of
cervical dysfunction are a useful tool to evaluate cervical mechanics. Building on these findings, we aim to better
define molecular pathways of collagen degradation and elastic fiber elastogenesis that ensure ECM homeostasis
in physiologic remodeling. Secondly, we aim to understand the complexity of mechanical parameters derived
from collagen and elastic fibers at multiple length scales. Collectively, the proposed studies, based on compelling
preliminary data, can expand our understanding of basic mechanisms in cervical biology and mechanobiology
and expand the possibilities for clinical intervention in PTB.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10930906
- **Project number:** 5R01HD113224-02
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** MALA S. MAHENDROO
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $648,444
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-19 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10930906

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10930906, Molecular and Mechanical Investigations to Define Collagen and Elastic Fiber Homeostasis in Cervical Remodeling During a Term and Preterm Pregnancy (5R01HD113224-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10930906. Licensed CC0.

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