Grant: Project Grant

Every pregnancy carries risk. The most serious complications, including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction, arise from placental dysfunction. When the placenta develops abnormally, it can threaten the health of both mother and baby, often leading to preterm birth and long-term health consequences. Current screening detects these problems only after they are established, leaving little time for effective intervention. We are developing a non-invasive, first-trimester test to detect placental dysfunction months before symptoms appear. This approach analyzes cervical extravillous trophoblasts (cEVTs), rare placental cells naturally shed into the cervix and collected safely during routine prenatal care. Using high-dimensional molecular profiling, including CyTOF, we will define early molecular changes in these cells and validate predictive signatures in a high-risk pregnancy cohort. Early detection in the first trimester will allow healthcare providers to offer targeted interventions at the most effective time, reducing complications and improving outcomes for mothers and babies.