Using placental organoids to understand preeclampsia
Official title: Placental Organoids to Model Preeclampsia
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11001931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating tiny models of the placenta to better understand what causes preeclampsia during pregnancy, so we can find new ways to treat it and help expectant moms stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $417,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167268-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals, particularly those in their first trimester or those with a history of preeclampsia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those in later stages of pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create three-dimensional organoids that mimic the human placenta to investigate the causes of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. By using human induced pluripotent stem cells, the researchers will develop trophoblast organoids that replicate early pregnancy conditions. These organoids will help in understanding how shallow placentation leads to preeclampsia and will be used to screen potential drug treatments. This innovative approach allows for the study of placental development and dysfunction in a controlled laboratory setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for preeclampsia, improving outcomes for pregnant individuals and their babies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has successfully used organoid models to study various diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into preeclampsia.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karumanchi, S. Ananth — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Karumanchi, S. Ananth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Ethical, multimodal AI for predicting preeclampsia risk in early pregnancy
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Placental support cells and fetal red blood cell quality in preeclampsia
This grant studies how placental support cells in preeclampsia affect the development and quality of a baby’s red blood cells.
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Epigenetic clues to preeclampsia in pregnancy
This grant explores how epigenetic changes and paternal factors may contribute to preeclampsia, a condition that can affect pregnancy health.
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Environmental air pollutants linked to preeclampsia risk in pregnancy
This study looks at whether common air pollutants called PAHs increase the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy.
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Dynamic risk prediction and subtyping of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy
A digital health approach uses AI to spot early warning signs of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension from pregnancy data, so clinicians can tailor care for pregnant people.
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Folate Receptor Beta and its Role in Preeclampsia
This study explores how a protein called folate receptor beta on placental immune cells may drive or worsen preeclampsia in pregnancy, with hopes of finding new ways to prevent or treat the condition.
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.