Research has revealed that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) significantly alters the placental function, leading to potential complications for offspring. A study published in the journal Diabetes highlights molecular changes that disrupt how the placenta processes genetic information. These findings could pave the way for new interventions aimed at mitigating risks associated with GDM in pregnancies.
The research, led by Prof. Maayan Salton from the Faculty of Medicine at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, along with Dr. Tal Schiller from Kaplan Medical Center and Wolfson Medical Center at Tel Aviv University, focused on the molecular mechanisms affected by GDM. The team discovered that the process of RNA splicing, essential for protein production, is significantly altered in pregnancies complicated by this form of diabetes.
Using advanced RNA sequencing data from pregnancy cohorts in Europe and China, the researchers identified hundreds of genetic messages that were incorrectly assembled in placental cells of mothers with GDM. This disruption may affect the placenta’s ability to support fetal development, potentially resulting in immediate complications such as abnormal birth weights and longer-term health issues like obesity and diabetes in the offspring.
Understanding the Role of SRSF10
A critical aspect of the study was the identification of the protein SRSF10, which regulates RNA splicing. When the activity of SRSF10 was reduced in laboratory studies, the molecular disruptions characteristic of GDM were replicated. This suggests that SRSF10 may serve as a master regulator of placental function and represents a promising target for therapeutic interventions.
“By understanding how gestational diabetes disrupts the placenta at the molecular level, we can begin to imagine new ways to protect the offspring,” stated Prof. Salton. Dr. Schiller echoed this sentiment, noting, “Our findings bring us a step closer to that goal. By pinpointing the specific molecular players involved, like the SRSF10 protein, we can start thinking about how to translate this knowledge into real-world strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes.”
The study underscores the increasing prevalence of GDM, which is associated with a disrupted metabolic environment for the fetus due to elevated maternal blood glucose levels. Immediate impacts on newborns can include being born either too large or too small for their gestational age, an increased likelihood of cesarean deliveries, and pre-term births. Long-term consequences may include heightened risks for obesity and diabetes later in life.
Future Directions in GDM Research
Traditionally, GDM has been managed through lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, as well as insulin therapy when necessary. However, the underlying biological mechanisms have remained inadequately understood. This new research sheds light on how metabolic changes linked to GDM can alter gene processing within the placenta, opening avenues for potential interventions that could improve health outcomes for both mothers and their children.
The findings emphasize the importance of ongoing research in this area, as understanding the molecular changes associated with GDM may lead to the development of targeted therapies aimed at preventing complications during pregnancy.
For further details, refer to the study titled “Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Alters Placental Pre-mRNA Splicing,” published in Diabetes in March 2025.
