Dr. Thomas Jansson Honored with Agnes Higgins Award for Contribution to Maternal-Fetal Nutrition
In the realm of maternal and infant health, few advancements have been as profound as those made by Dr. Thomas Jansson, MD, PhD, who has recently been awarded the prestigious Agnes Higgins Award by the March of Dimes. This award, given for his exceptional contributions to maternal-fetal nutrition, will be presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) meeting on April 25 in Boston.
Dr. Jansson's role as Vice Chair of Research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology underscores his prominence in the field. His extensive research has established the placenta as a pivotal regulator of fetal development, fundamentally transforming our understanding of how maternal nutrition and metabolism influence fetal growth. Through his pioneering work, Dr. Jansson has unveiled the placenta's role as a signaling hub that integrates critical maternal health data to guide fetal growth effectively.
At the heart of his research lies the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), a protein that acts as a crucial player in regulating the fetal growth process based on maternal health conditions. This robust signaling pathway provides insights into how the placenta governs nutrient transfer and metabolism by responding dynamically to the mother's nutritional status. Dr. Jansson's findings reveal that when mTOR is activated, it can lead to excessive fetal growth, while its inhibition can cause stunted growth—both of which carry significant implications for pregnancy outcomes and the long-term health of both mothers and babies.
Dr. Jansson's impactful research also shifted the prevailing belief that the fetus solely controls nutrient acquisition across the placenta. His studies have shown that under conditions of maternal starvation or inadequate nutrient supply, it is actually the placental mTOR that limits nutrient transport to the fetus, an adaptive mechanism designed to enhance survival chances under challenging conditions. Conversely, excess maternal nutrition, such as in cases of obesity, may cause mTOR activation, leading to potential fetal overgrowth and associated health risks.
Among his recent achievements, Dr. Jansson has identified key nutrients like folate that influence the mTOR pathway, shedding light on why low folate levels are linked to growth restrictions in fetuses. Additionally, research conducted by his team has recognized the hormone adiponectin, which communicates maternal nutritional status to placental mTOR. This discovery highlighted its relevance in fetal growth and development, opening doors for potential therapeutic interventions in at-risk populations.
One of the most notable developments in Dr. Jansson's recent work has been the discovery of beneficial proteins released by the placenta into the fetal bloodstream. These proteins play vital roles in the development of key organs, such as the lungs and brain, and may be integral to the health of preterm infants. His preliminary research indicates these proteins could offer life-saving support to preterm babies in neonatal care settings.
With his emerging influence in placental science, Dr. Jansson's work emphasizes the complex interplay between maternal health and fetal development. He hopes that recognition from the March of Dimes will not only bolster awareness of the placenta's vital functions but also fuel further research into enhancing maternal-fetal health outcomes through nutritional and therapeutic strategies.
As Dr. Jansson eloquently puts it, "The placenta is a complex, powerful organ that holds the keys to prenatal, maternal, fetal, and adult health." His inspiring dedication to unraveling its intricacies has positioned him as a leading figure in the field, encouraging the development of methodologies aimed at improving health trajectories for mothers and babies alike. This award acknowledges his exceptional contributions and the transformative potential of his research in shaping future health protocols.
Dr. Jansson's role as Vice Chair of Research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology underscores his prominence in the field. His extensive research has established the placenta as a pivotal regulator of fetal development, fundamentally transforming our understanding of how maternal nutrition and metabolism influence fetal growth. Through his pioneering work, Dr. Jansson has unveiled the placenta's role as a signaling hub that integrates critical maternal health data to guide fetal growth effectively.
At the heart of his research lies the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), a protein that acts as a crucial player in regulating the fetal growth process based on maternal health conditions. This robust signaling pathway provides insights into how the placenta governs nutrient transfer and metabolism by responding dynamically to the mother's nutritional status. Dr. Jansson's findings reveal that when mTOR is activated, it can lead to excessive fetal growth, while its inhibition can cause stunted growth—both of which carry significant implications for pregnancy outcomes and the long-term health of both mothers and babies.
Dr. Jansson's impactful research also shifted the prevailing belief that the fetus solely controls nutrient acquisition across the placenta. His studies have shown that under conditions of maternal starvation or inadequate nutrient supply, it is actually the placental mTOR that limits nutrient transport to the fetus, an adaptive mechanism designed to enhance survival chances under challenging conditions. Conversely, excess maternal nutrition, such as in cases of obesity, may cause mTOR activation, leading to potential fetal overgrowth and associated health risks.
Among his recent achievements, Dr. Jansson has identified key nutrients like folate that influence the mTOR pathway, shedding light on why low folate levels are linked to growth restrictions in fetuses. Additionally, research conducted by his team has recognized the hormone adiponectin, which communicates maternal nutritional status to placental mTOR. This discovery highlighted its relevance in fetal growth and development, opening doors for potential therapeutic interventions in at-risk populations.
One of the most notable developments in Dr. Jansson's recent work has been the discovery of beneficial proteins released by the placenta into the fetal bloodstream. These proteins play vital roles in the development of key organs, such as the lungs and brain, and may be integral to the health of preterm infants. His preliminary research indicates these proteins could offer life-saving support to preterm babies in neonatal care settings.
With his emerging influence in placental science, Dr. Jansson's work emphasizes the complex interplay between maternal health and fetal development. He hopes that recognition from the March of Dimes will not only bolster awareness of the placenta's vital functions but also fuel further research into enhancing maternal-fetal health outcomes through nutritional and therapeutic strategies.
As Dr. Jansson eloquently puts it, "The placenta is a complex, powerful organ that holds the keys to prenatal, maternal, fetal, and adult health." His inspiring dedication to unraveling its intricacies has positioned him as a leading figure in the field, encouraging the development of methodologies aimed at improving health trajectories for mothers and babies alike. This award acknowledges his exceptional contributions and the transformative potential of his research in shaping future health protocols.
Topics Health）
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