Understanding how the placenta develops and interacts with the uterus during pregnancy
Establishment of the Uterine-Placental Interface
This study is looking at how certain cells in the placenta help change the mother's blood vessels during pregnancy, using rats to learn more about what happens in humans, with the hope of finding ways to prevent problems like preeclampsia and early pregnancy loss to keep both moms and babies healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10867323 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the critical adaptations that occur at the uterine-placental interface as a pregnancy progresses, focusing on how trophoblast stem cells invade uterine tissue to remodel blood vessels. By using rats as a model, which exhibit a similar placentation process to humans, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that regulate trophoblast cell differentiation. This knowledge could help identify causes of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and early pregnancy loss, ultimately improving maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals or those planning to become pregnant, particularly those with a history of pregnancy complications.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or have no plans for pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of serious pregnancy complications.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding trophoblast cell behavior in various models, but this specific approach using rats for placentation mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Kansas City, United States
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scott, Regan Leigh — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Scott, Regan Leigh
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.