How invasive placenta cells develop to support pregnancy
Trophoblast Differentiation
This project looks at how special placenta cells grow and change to help pregnant people get nutrients to their fetus and avoid pregnancy problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250092 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are examining the cells (trophoblasts) that invade the uterus and help remodel blood vessels so the fetus gets enough blood and nutrients. They use laboratory-grown human placenta cells and rat models to watch how these cells differentiate and interact with uterine tissue. The team studies molecular signals (for example PI3K/AKT pathways) that control this process to find what goes wrong in complicated pregnancies. Understanding these steps could point to ways to prevent early pregnancy loss or placental dysfunction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have experienced recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, or other suspected placental problems might be candidates for related sample-donation efforts or future clinical studies based on this work.
Not a fit: People without placental concerns or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit from the laboratory research itself.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat pregnancy problems like preeclampsia, poor fetal growth, and early pregnancy loss.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and animal studies have identified some of the same trophoblast behaviors and signaling pathways, but translating those findings into human treatments remains early and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Kansas City, United States
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soares, Michael J — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Soares, Michael J
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.