Investigating the role of placental proteins in preventing premature birth.

Placental Proteins and Prematurity

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11020649

This study is looking at how certain proteins from the placenta affect baby development and might cause early births, with the goal of finding ways to help prevent preterm labor and improve health for babies born too soon.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11020649 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how proteins secreted by the placenta influence fetal development and may contribute to preterm birth. By studying these proteins, the researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that lead to premature labor and identify potential interventions. The approach includes analyzing the proteins found in the fetal circulation before 32 weeks of gestation and their roles in critical processes such as organ development and neurogenesis. This could lead to new strategies for preventing preterm birth and improving outcomes for infants born prematurely.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals at risk of preterm labor or those who have experienced preterm births in the past.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who have no history of preterm labor may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent preterm birth and improve health outcomes for infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown promising results regarding the role of placental factors in fetal development, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.