Delivering VEGF to the placenta to prevent abnormal uterine artery remodeling
VEGF Gene Delivery In The Primate To Prevent Defective Spiral Artery Remodeling And Maternal Vascular Dysfunction
Researchers are delivering a growth factor called VEGF to the placenta to try to stop the artery and blood‑flow problems that can cause preeclampsia in early pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11312682 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses a baboon model that mimics human first‑trimester failure of placental spiral artery remodeling. They induce impaired remodeling by slightly raising estradiol, detect the defect early with advanced B‑flow/STIC M‑mode ultrasound, and deliver VEGF to the placental basal plate using ultrasound‑mediated, microbubble‑facilitated gene delivery. Outcomes measured include maternal and offspring vascular function, fetal growth, and perinatal survival to see if restoring VEGF reverses the problems. The long‑term aim is to translate this placenta‑targeted approach into a way to prevent preeclampsia in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future human candidates would likely be pregnant people in the first trimester who are at high risk for preeclampsia or show early signs of defective placental artery remodeling.
Not a fit: People with hypertension from non‑placental causes, late‑onset preeclampsia, or pregnancy complications unrelated to placental spiral artery remodeling may not benefit from this placenta‑targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could prevent preeclampsia by improving placental blood flow and reduce health risks for both mother and baby.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical primate models and ultrasound‑guided delivery techniques have shown promising signals, but delivering VEGF to the human placenta this way remains novel and untested in people.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aberdeen, Graham W — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Aberdeen, Graham W
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.