Investigating a protein to prevent preterm birth and related health issues.
Official title: Placental Serum Amyloid A as a Therapeutic Target to Prevent Preterm Birth and Prematurity Related Morbidity
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10742411 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called serum amyloid A might affect preterm birth and its complications, and it aims to see if blocking this protein can help keep mothers and their babies healthier during pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $424,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD110797-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10742411 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals at risk of preterm birth due to maternal inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those whose pregnancies are not at risk for preterm birth may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, serum amyloid A (SAA), plays a role in preterm birth (PTB) and its associated complications. The study aims to explore the effects of maternal inflammation on the placenta and how inhibiting SAA could potentially prevent PTB and improve outcomes for newborns. By using small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target SAA, researchers will assess whether this approach can effectively reduce the risks associated with PTB. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for protecting both mothers and their infants during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the incidence of preterm birth and improve health outcomes for affected infants.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of serum amyloid A in pregnancy is not extensively studied, similar approaches targeting inflammatory responses have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lei, Jun — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Lei, Jun
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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.