Exploring how the placenta communicates with the heart during pregnancy
Official title: Investigating a potential cardio-placental signaling axis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10994839 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the placenta and the developing heart communicate with each other, which is important for a healthy pregnancy, and it aims to find out how problems in this communication might lead to heart issues in babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | September 9, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30HL175934-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994839 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals at risk for placental dysfunction or congenital heart defects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without a history of placental or cardiac issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the signaling pathways between the placenta and the developing heart, focusing on how these interactions may affect fetal development. By using genetic tools in mice, the study aims to understand the role of specific proteins in promoting blood vessel formation in the placenta, which is crucial for supplying nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. The research will analyze how disruptions in these signals could lead to complications such as congenital heart defects and placental insufficiency. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the mechanisms of placental function and its impact on fetal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of pregnancy-related complications that affect fetal development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding placental signaling pathways, indicating potential for breakthroughs in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frankfurter, Maxwell T — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Frankfurter, Maxwell T
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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.