Research has unveiled significant insights into how gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects the health of offspring. A recent study indicates that GDM alters genetic processing in the placenta, potentially leading to numerous complications for newborns. This groundbreaking work, led by Prof. Maayan Salton from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Dr. Tal Schiller from Kaplan Medical Center and Wolfson Medical Center, was published in the journal Diabetes.
The study highlights that pregnancies complicated by GDM cause hundreds of genetic messages to be improperly assembled, disrupting normal placental function. Researchers focused on a crucial protein, SRSF10, which plays a pivotal role in RNA splicing—the process by which genetic material is transformed into proteins. When SRSF10 activity was reduced in laboratory cells, the same errors associated with GDM emerged, suggesting that targeting this protein might offer new therapeutic avenues to mitigate the adverse effects of gestational diabetes.
Understanding Gestational Diabetes and Its Risks
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, with increasing prevalence globally. It creates a challenging metabolic environment for the fetus, often resulting in complications such as macrosomia (excessive birth weight), premature birth, and a higher likelihood of cesarean delivery. Beyond immediate concerns, offspring of mothers with GDM face long-term health risks, including increased chances of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
The research conducted by Salton, Schiller, and their team—including Ph.D. students Eden Engal and Adi Gershon, utilized advanced RNA sequencing data from pregnancy cohorts in both Europe and China. Their findings reveal that GDM significantly alters the way the placenta processes genetic messages, impacting genes associated with metabolism and diabetes pathways.
Implications of the Findings
The discovery of SRSF10 as a key player in this process opens the door to potential interventions. By understanding how gestational diabetes disrupts placental function at the molecular level, researchers believe they can develop strategies to protect the health of future generations.
“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. “Our findings bring us a step closer to that goal,” added Dr. Schiller. The team’s work suggests that by identifying specific molecular components such as SRSF10, there could be opportunities to translate this research into practical solutions aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes.
Currently, managing gestational diabetes typically involves lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and physical activity, along with insulin therapy if necessary. The underlying biological mechanisms have remained largely unclear until now. This new study contributes valuable knowledge about the genetic alterations that occur in GDM, potentially paving the way for innovative interventions that could enhance maternal and child health.
The full study can be accessed in the journal Diabetes under the title “Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Alters Placental Pre-mRNA Splicing,” set to be published in 2025 with the DOI: 10.2337/db25-0333.
