How the angiotensin (ACE2) system affects the placenta and pregnancy
Investigation of the renin-angiotensin system at the maternal-fetal interface.
Researchers will look at whether lower ACE2 activity at the placenta leads to pregnancy problems like preeclampsia, pregnancy loss, or poor fetal growth in pregnant people and their babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192912 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If this work matters to you, the team uses mouse models missing ACE2 in specific placental or uterine cells to see how pregnancies develop. They measure embryo survival, fetal weight, placental structure and oxygen levels, RAS protein and gene activity, and maternal blood pressure using implanted telemetry, and they compare key gene expression findings to human placentas. Together these experiments aim to show which cell types need ACE2 for healthy placental development and how its loss could cause pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, or fetal growth restriction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related human work would include pregnant people with a history of preeclampsia, unexplained pregnancy loss, or fetal growth restriction, or those willing to donate placental tissue after delivery.
Not a fit: People with uncomplicated pregnancies are less likely to see direct, short-term benefits from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to predict, prevent, or treat pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction by targeting ACE2-related pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown that loss of ACE2 causes placental problems and preeclampsia-like features, but translating these findings into human treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vrooman, Lisa Anne — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Vrooman, Lisa Anne
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.