Understanding how blood vessels in the placenta develop and function
Official title: Endothelial regulation of the blood-placental barrier
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10947771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blood vessels in the placenta grow and work, which is really important for making sure the baby gets the nutrients and oxygen it needs, and it could help improve pregnancy outcomes for moms and babies facing challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $132,705 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HL175038-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals, particularly those experiencing complications related to fetal growth or cardiovascular health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those with unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that regulate the growth and function of blood vessels in the placenta, which are essential for nutrient and oxygen exchange between the mother and fetus. By using advanced genetic tools and imaging techniques, the study aims to uncover the cellular and molecular processes that affect placental vascular development. The research also explores how the placental blood vessels impact fetal growth and maternal cardiovascular health, potentially leading to better outcomes for pregnancies at risk of complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of conditions like fetal growth restriction and maternal cardiovascular issues during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding vascular development in various contexts, but this specific focus on the placental blood vessels is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Siqi — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Gao, Siqi
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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.