How malaria harms the placenta in pregnancy
Exploring the etiology of oxidative damage and cell death in placental malaria
Seeing whether immune cells cause oxidative damage that leads to placenta cell death in pregnant people with malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136271 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses placentas from pregnant people in malaria-endemic areas to learn why malaria often leads to poor birth outcomes. Researchers will examine placental tissue and immune cells to measure oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and markers of syncytiotrophoblast cell death. They will run laboratory experiments modeling how neutrophils and monocytes might directly damage placenta cells through oxidative mechanisms. The team aims to link these findings to low birthweight and other fetal problems so future treatments can better protect pregnancies affected by malaria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant people in malaria-endemic regions who can donate placental tissue at delivery or take part in related observational studies.
Not a fit: People not exposed to malaria or those who are not pregnant (and cannot provide placental samples) are unlikely to get direct benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to antioxidant or immune-targeted approaches that protect the placenta and reduce fetal harm from malaria.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown increased oxidative stress and immune cell presence in placental malaria, but the specific idea that neutrophil-driven lipid peroxidation kills syncytiotrophoblasts is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moore, Julie M — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Moore, Julie M
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.