Folate Receptor Beta and its Role in Preeclampsia
Official title: Folate Receptor Beta in the Immunopathogenesis of Preeclampsia
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11439922 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study explores how a protein called folate receptor beta on placental immune cells may drive or worsen preeclampsia in pregnancy, with hopes of finding new ways to prevent or treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $473,106 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD123069-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11439922 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with a high risk of preeclampsia or who have had preeclampsia in prior pregnancies may be suitable for related future trials or sample contributions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without preeclampsia risk factors may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how FRβ on placental macrophages influences inflammatory pathways linked to preeclampsia using a mouse model that mimics the human condition and by analyzing human genetic variants of FOLR2. They will compare normal mice with mice lacking FOLR2 to see how this affects immune cell behavior and blood vessel function in pregnancy. In parallel, a human genomic study will look for FOLR2 variants that associate with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The aim is to identify whether FRβ is a key driver of the disease and whether it could be targeted therapeutically.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new preventive strategies or treatments for preeclampsia by targeting FRβ-related immune pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Early results and related studies suggest inflammation and immune pathways are important in preeclampsia, supporting a potential impact for FRβ-related approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aronoff, David M — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Aronoff, David M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Placental support cells and fetal red blood cell quality in preeclampsia
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Dynamic risk prediction and subtyping of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy
A digital health approach uses AI to spot early warning signs of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension from pregnancy data, so clinicians can tailor care for pregnant people.
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Understanding how genes and environment interact to cause preeclampsia and later high blood pressure in mothers
This project looks at why some pregnancies develop preeclampsia and how it relates to long-term blood pressure and heart health in mothers.
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.