How mitochondrial DNA affects blood vessel health during pregnancy
Official title: Maternal vascular responses to extracellular mitochondrial DNA during pregnancy
Funded at Loma Linda University · NIH-10744771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny pieces of DNA from the placenta might affect blood vessel health in pregnant women, especially those with high blood pressure issues like preeclampsia, to help find better ways to prevent and treat these problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loma Linda University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loma Linda, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2020 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $506,670 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL146562-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10744771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women, particularly those diagnosed with preeclampsia or at risk for hypertensive disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without any history of hypertensive disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of extracellular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in causing maternal vascular dysfunction during pregnancy, particularly in women with preeclampsia. It aims to understand how factors released from the placenta, such as mtDNA, contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues in pregnant women. By analyzing plasma samples from pregnant women, the study will explore the molecular mechanisms that link placental health to maternal vascular responses. This could lead to new insights into preventing and treating hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, potentially reducing maternal mortality.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown a positive association between circulating mtDNA and the risk of developing preeclampsia, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goulopoulou, Styliani — Loma Linda University
- Study coordinator: Goulopoulou, Styliani
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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.