Vaginal ecosystem clues to preeclampsia in early pregnancy
Official title: A large scale investigation of the vaginal ecosystem in preeclampsia
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11397252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large study will look at how the vaginal microbiome, metabolites, and immune signals in early pregnancy relate to later preeclampsia to help predict and prevent the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $682,611 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD114715-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals, particularly those in early pregnancy, whose data and vaginal samples are or could be part of large pregnancy cohorts.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not at risk of preeclampsia or without access to/no interest in participating in pregnancy research may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses data and samples from a large, diverse pregnancy cohort to map the vaginal microbiome, metabolome, and host immune markers during the first and second trimesters. Researchers will analyze how these vaginal ecosystem components change over time and how they relate to the development of preeclampsia, with an emphasis on identifying early signals. By linking microbiome and molecular patterns to pregnancy outcomes, the study aims to uncover potential targets for early prediction and intervention. The goal is to translate these findings into better risk stratification and preventive strategies for pregnant individuals at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier prediction and prevention of preeclampsia, potentially reducing maternal and neonatal complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown links between the vaginal ecosystem and obstetric outcomes, but this large-scale, multi-omics approach is novel in its scope and depth.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Korem, Tal — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Korem, Tal
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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.