How previous uterine scars lead to placenta accreta
Official title: Dysregulation of Endometrial Invasibility Proximal to Uterine Scar as a Mechanism of Placenta Accreta
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11319830 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at how uterine scars from prior cesarean deliveries change the uterus so the placenta can grow in too deeply, causing placenta accreta in pregnant people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $479,620 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112424-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11319830 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be pregnant people with a history of cesarean or other uterine surgery, or those diagnosed with placenta accreta who can provide tissue samples or clinical information at delivery.
✕Less likely to help
People needing immediate treatments during an ongoing complicated pregnancy or those seeking direct, immediate therapy likely will not benefit directly from this basic research during their current pregnancy.
What this research studies
This research looks at why the placenta sometimes grows too deeply into the uterus near a prior cesarean scar, causing placenta accreta. Scientists will examine how the scar changes the local tissue mechanics and immune signals, and how those changes turn uterine stromal cells into an inflammatory state that attracts placental cells. They will use lab models, tissue samples, and biomechanical testing guided by an ELI (Evolved Levels of Invasability) framework to track the cellular and molecular signals that promote over‑invasion. The team aims to pinpoint specific tissue cues that could be targeted for future tests or treatments to prevent or manage accreta.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests or therapies that identify people at higher risk of placenta accreta or reduce harmful placental invasion.
How similar studies have gone: Previous laboratory studies and preliminary data support roles for scar-related changes and stromal signaling in abnormal placental invasion, but this detailed biomechanical mechanism remains relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kshitiz, Fnu — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Kshitiz, Fnu
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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.