Monitoring pregnancy health using placental biomarkers from blood samples
Official title: Non-invasive monitoring of gestational health via placental miRNA biomarkers using TRAP technology
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10754097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can keep an eye on pregnancy health by checking certain markers in the placenta through blood tests, helping to spot potential problems like preterm birth early on, so that moms and babies can have better care and outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $423,985 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD111226-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10754097 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who may be at risk for complications such as preterm birth or IUGR.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those with pregnancies that are already deemed high-risk and under close medical supervision may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to monitor the health of pregnancies by analyzing specific biomarkers found in the placenta through blood samples. It focuses on identifying issues like preterm birth and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) early in gestation, which can significantly affect maternal and neonatal health. By utilizing advanced technology to analyze these biomarkers, the research aims to provide a non-invasive method for detecting placental dysfunction. This approach could lead to better management of pregnancy complications and improved outcomes for mothers and babies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and intervention for serious pregnancy complications, ultimately improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using biomarkers for monitoring pregnancy health, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nowak, Romana a. — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Nowak, Romana a.
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.