Understanding how the placenta protects against blindness in premature infants
Official title: Mechanisms of Placentally-Mediated ROP Protection
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11049728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain conditions during pregnancy, like preeclampsia, might help protect premature babies from a serious eye problem called retinopathy of prematurity, and it focuses on a specific protein that could help us find new ways to keep these babies' eyes healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $426,947 |
| NIH project number | 1R56EY036091-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049728 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants who are at risk for developing retinopathy of prematurity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or do not have risk factors for ROP may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which certain placental conditions, like preeclampsia and chorioamnionitis, may protect premature infants from developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of childhood blindness. The study focuses on the role of a specific transcription factor, LHX5, which may influence retinal vascular development and protect against ROP. By examining how LHX5 interacts with WNT signaling pathways, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets that could improve outcomes for affected infants. The approach includes analyzing placental tissues and using animal models to validate findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating blindness in premature infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding placental influences on infant health, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
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Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Owen, Leah a — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Owen, Leah 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.