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Mechanistic Studies into Pregnancy Complications and their Impact on Maternal and Child Health

Every expectant parent anticipates having a healthy pregnancy and baby, but sadly many pregnancies are affected by conditions such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and low birthweight.

By enrolling a substantial cohort of pregnant women, we aim to identify the factors that lead to these complications and their impact on the baby's health. Through comprehensive data collection and sample analysis, we will explore pre-pregnancy and pregnancy factors contributing to disease processes and identify biomarkers for prediction and diagnosis of pregnancy complications.

This research will provide valuable insights into the in-utero environment and its influence on maternal and child health outcomes. 

More information about the study can be found by downloading the Participant Information Sheet.

People

Emilie Côté

Clinical research fellow in Perinatal Sciences

Deena Gibbons

Professor in Early Life Immunology

Megan Hall

Clinical Research Fellow

Andrew  Shennan

Tommy's Chair in Maternal and Fetal Health

Lisa  Story

Senior Lecturer

Projects

pipette test tube sample
Biomarker discovery and genetic analysis

The INSIGHT-2 study aims to investigate specific biological indicators, called biomarkers, found in various body fluids and tissues such as cervicovaginal fluid, mucus, cells, saliva, hair, and blood. These biomarkers (such as RNA, DNA, immune cells, and proteins) serve as crucial clues, acting like signposts that can reveal essential information about normal bodily processes, disease development, and how our bodies respond to potential treatments. Furthermore, we use established genomic approaches for genetic analyses (e.g., SNP polymorphism identification; human DNA sequencing). These insights have the potential to revolutionise how we approach disease detection and treatment, allowing us to design better and more personalised therapeutic interventions.

    preterm baby hand
    Preterm birth studies

    Approximately 152 million babies were born preterm in the last decade, and yet there is no established early pregnancy screening test or effective treatment for women once a high risk of preterm birth is ascertained. The causes of early spontaneous preterm labour and birth (sPTB) are likely a complex interaction of responses to infections in the mother and/or baby, potentially leading to cervical shortening and labour onset. Identifying high-risk women early in pregnancy is crucial for appropriate clinical care and evaluating treatments to reduce sPTB risk. To address this, as part of INSIGHT-2, we analyse samples from both high-risk and low-risk groups alongside rigorous clinical data. We will also examine links between key biomarkers, vaginal and saliva bacterial populations, and periodontal disease. Additionally, we will explore the genetic basis of early sPTB using DNA samples from blood. This research aims to enhance our understanding of the innate immune system and develop accurate predictive tests for spontaneous preterm birth.

      diabetes finger text
      Prenatal drivers of infant ISlet Autoimmunity (PISA)

      Supported by Leona M. & Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, this new study investigates prenatal factors that may increase the risk of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children. Understanding these factors may lead to new strategies to prevent and/or delay the onset of T1D.

        For Researchers

        The INSIGHT Research Team welcomes applications from researchers interested in using the data linkage or biobank. Researchers interested in using the INSIGHT & INSIGHT-2 data-linkage/biobank should complete the INSIGHT Research Application Form (RAF). The application will be submitted to the INSIGHT Oversight Committee, which decides on the scientific merit of the study and reviews any potential overlap with existing agreements. The Chief Investigator of INSIGHT/INSIGHT-2 would normally be a co-applicant, and other relevant PIs included on a case-by-case basis.

        Following agreement from the Oversight Committee for access to the data/samples, a sharing agreement is drawn up by KCL Research and Contracts team and signed by a King’s College London representative and the Study Chief Investigator and partner institution if necessary. The INSIGHT executive shall ensure that measures are in place to protect the confidentiality of study participants and the security of data sets when they are shared with, or analysed on behalf of, new users, and that practice complies with legal and regulatory requirements and relevant best practice.

        Research users will receive the fully anonymised dataset and samples for a set period of time. All researchers are required to complete an annual GDPR training course offered online by KCL, SLaM, or equivalent training from other Trusts or universities before being able to access data. The analysed data will be reviewed by the INSIGHT Research Team before being submitted for publications. All research outputs must acknowledge the significant contribution of all parties.

        INSIGHT requests not-for-profit funding for support of data linkages and sample use. A tariff is calculated in a bespoke manner for each project. Researchers do not need to have funding in place before submission of a RAF, but the agreed funding must be secured before data or samples are made available.

        To request an RAF form and relevant submission deadlines, please contact Carlotta Valensin at carlotta.valensin@kcl.ac.uk.

        People

        Emilie Côté

        Clinical research fellow in Perinatal Sciences

        Deena Gibbons

        Professor in Early Life Immunology

        Megan Hall

        Clinical Research Fellow

        Andrew  Shennan

        Tommy's Chair in Maternal and Fetal Health

        Lisa  Story

        Senior Lecturer

        Projects

        pipette test tube sample
        Biomarker discovery and genetic analysis

        The INSIGHT-2 study aims to investigate specific biological indicators, called biomarkers, found in various body fluids and tissues such as cervicovaginal fluid, mucus, cells, saliva, hair, and blood. These biomarkers (such as RNA, DNA, immune cells, and proteins) serve as crucial clues, acting like signposts that can reveal essential information about normal bodily processes, disease development, and how our bodies respond to potential treatments. Furthermore, we use established genomic approaches for genetic analyses (e.g., SNP polymorphism identification; human DNA sequencing). These insights have the potential to revolutionise how we approach disease detection and treatment, allowing us to design better and more personalised therapeutic interventions.

          preterm baby hand
          Preterm birth studies

          Approximately 152 million babies were born preterm in the last decade, and yet there is no established early pregnancy screening test or effective treatment for women once a high risk of preterm birth is ascertained. The causes of early spontaneous preterm labour and birth (sPTB) are likely a complex interaction of responses to infections in the mother and/or baby, potentially leading to cervical shortening and labour onset. Identifying high-risk women early in pregnancy is crucial for appropriate clinical care and evaluating treatments to reduce sPTB risk. To address this, as part of INSIGHT-2, we analyse samples from both high-risk and low-risk groups alongside rigorous clinical data. We will also examine links between key biomarkers, vaginal and saliva bacterial populations, and periodontal disease. Additionally, we will explore the genetic basis of early sPTB using DNA samples from blood. This research aims to enhance our understanding of the innate immune system and develop accurate predictive tests for spontaneous preterm birth.

            diabetes finger text
            Prenatal drivers of infant ISlet Autoimmunity (PISA)

            Supported by Leona M. & Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, this new study investigates prenatal factors that may increase the risk of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children. Understanding these factors may lead to new strategies to prevent and/or delay the onset of T1D.

              Publications

              For Researchers

              The INSIGHT Research Team welcomes applications from researchers interested in using the data linkage or biobank. Researchers interested in using the INSIGHT & INSIGHT-2 data-linkage/biobank should complete the INSIGHT Research Application Form (RAF). The application will be submitted to the INSIGHT Oversight Committee, which decides on the scientific merit of the study and reviews any potential overlap with existing agreements. The Chief Investigator of INSIGHT/INSIGHT-2 would normally be a co-applicant, and other relevant PIs included on a case-by-case basis.

              Following agreement from the Oversight Committee for access to the data/samples, a sharing agreement is drawn up by KCL Research and Contracts team and signed by a King’s College London representative and the Study Chief Investigator and partner institution if necessary. The INSIGHT executive shall ensure that measures are in place to protect the confidentiality of study participants and the security of data sets when they are shared with, or analysed on behalf of, new users, and that practice complies with legal and regulatory requirements and relevant best practice.

              Research users will receive the fully anonymised dataset and samples for a set period of time. All researchers are required to complete an annual GDPR training course offered online by KCL, SLaM, or equivalent training from other Trusts or universities before being able to access data. The analysed data will be reviewed by the INSIGHT Research Team before being submitted for publications. All research outputs must acknowledge the significant contribution of all parties.

              INSIGHT requests not-for-profit funding for support of data linkages and sample use. A tariff is calculated in a bespoke manner for each project. Researchers do not need to have funding in place before submission of a RAF, but the agreed funding must be secured before data or samples are made available.

              To request an RAF form and relevant submission deadlines, please contact Carlotta Valensin at carlotta.valensin@kcl.ac.uk.

              Our Partners

              helmsley-trust

              The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust