Using fetal brain-derived vesicles from maternal blood to diagnose fetal CMV infection
CNS-Derived Fetal Extracellular Vesicles for the Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Fetal CNS CMV Infection
This study is looking at a safe way to check if a baby in the womb has a congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection by analyzing tiny particles from the baby's brain found in the mother's blood, which could help doctors spot any issues early and improve care for pregnancies affected by CMV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10494139 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a non-invasive method to diagnose congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in fetuses by analyzing extracellular vesicles derived from the fetal brain found in maternal blood. The approach aims to identify specific protein and miRNA markers that indicate neurological injury and inflammation related to CMV. By isolating these vesicles, the research seeks to provide early diagnosis and monitor treatment efficacy without the risks associated with traditional methods like amniocentesis. This could lead to timely interventions that improve outcomes for affected pregnancies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals whose fetuses are at risk for congenital CMV infection.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or whose fetuses are not at risk for CMV infection may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis of fetal CMV infection, allowing for targeted treatments that could prevent long-term developmental issues.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using extracellular vesicles for diagnostic purposes, suggesting that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goetzl, Laura — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Goetzl, Laura
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.